Interactive exercise apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart mirrors for fitness exercises are not adjustable in height or angle, making it difficult for users to see their entire body while performing exercises such as sit-ups or lying down, limiting their effectiveness and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A smart mirror system with a movable frame, a display device, a determination unit, and a control unit that adjusts the mirror's angle and position based on the user's location and posture, using image recognition or sensors to ensure the user can see their reflection and guiding images clearly during various exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart mirror is fixed on the wall or leaned against the wall, then the smart mirror remains stable and vertical, but the user cannot see their whole body when sitting or lying down to perform exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed smart mirror into a movable one. The mirror is mounted on a movable support structure that includes a driving mechanism (such as a motor or actuator) enabling the mirror to adjust its position and angle dynamically. This allows the mirror to adapt to different user positions (standing, sitting, lying down) while maintaining stability during each exercise state, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and visibility.
2Device complexity
If the smart mirror height and angle are fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the mirror cannot be automatically adjusted following the user's body location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by equipping the smart mirror with a determination unit (such as a camera or sensor array) and a control unit that automatically detect the user's position and posture, then autonomously control the driving mechanism to adjust the mirror's angle and height. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment while maintaining relatively simple device structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the smart mirror is made adjustable in height and angle, then the user can see their reflection during various exercises, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing complex manual mechanical adjustment systems with an automated electromechanical system. The driving mechanism uses motors or actuators controlled by electronic control units, which are more space-efficient and easier to control than manual crank mechanisms or sliding rails. This substitution reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining full adjustability for user visibility during various exercises.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to maintain proper form and visibility during exercises by automatically adjusting the mirror's position and angle, enhancing the effectiveness and convenience of indoor fitness workouts.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror (30), a display device (42), The mirror is movably mounted on the frame and configured to reflect an image of the user in front of the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive exercise apparatus for guiding a user to perform an exercise includes a frame, a mirror, a display device, a driving mechanism, and a control unit. The mirror is movably mounted on the frame and configured to reflect an image of the user. The display device is disposed on a backside of the mirror and visible through the mirror. The driving mechanism is configured to drive the mirror to move with respect to the frame. The control unit is operable to control the driving mechanism according to a location of the user so as to control the mirror to move to a suitable position where the user can see their reflected image.