Instrumented Rowing Handle With Integrated Sensors And Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rowing machines lack advanced data collection and interactive features, limiting user engagement and competition.
Innovation Solution
The development of an instrumented handle for rowing machines, equipped with a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring sensors and processors, which collects data on rowing metrics and transmits it to a server for updating gaming applications and leaderboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rowing machines without advanced sensors are used, then device complexity is low, but user engagement and interactive features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it is both the mechanical interface for rowing and the mounting platform for sensors and electronics. The housing integrates structural support, sensor mounting, and electronic component housing, allowing the same component to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the handle, housing, sensors, processors, and communication modules into a single integrated instrumented handle assembly. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate data collection systems and simplifies installation while enabling advanced user engagement features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no data collection system is implemented, then manufacturing cost is low, but competitive and gaming features cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented handle assembly serves dual purposes: maintaining the mechanical rowing function while simultaneously providing data collection, processing, and communication capabilities. This multi-functionality allows gaming and competitive features to be added without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
3Loss of information
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then user feedback is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module transmits rower data periodically or at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains real-time feedback capability for users while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant data transmission over the network.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to apparatus and methods for rowing machine systems. In some examples, an instrumented handle for a rowing machine includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a processor, a transceiver, a memory device, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a pulse sensor. The instrumented handle also includes an actuator embedded in a handle grip of the instrumented handle. The processor is configured to communicate with a server, such as a cloud-based server, via the transceiver. The processor may receive sensor data from the accelerometer, the gyroscope, and the pulse sensor, and may generate rower data based on the received sensor data. Further, the processor may transmit the rower data to the server for updating an application, such as a leaderboard or a simulation. In some examples, the processor provides the rower data for display on a display of the rowing machine.