Sensor-Guided Isometric Exercise Positioning for User Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment lacks the ability to accurately adjust to the size and strength of individual users, requiring manual estimation and potentially leading to improper positioning and muscle strain during isometric exercises.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a load-bearing mechanism incorporating an actuator, position sensor, and force sensor, which adjusts the distance between the loading interface and user support dynamically, providing precise positioning and feedback to ensure safe and effective isometric exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual estimation is used to adjust exercise equipment positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of user accommodation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuator system. The actuator mechanically adjusts the position of the loading interface based on sensor data, eliminating the need for users to manually estimate and adjust positions, thereby improving positioning accuracy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise equipment performs self-adjustment through automated actuators controlled by sensor feedback. The system automatically determines the correct positioning based on user measurements and adjusts itself without requiring user intervention or manual estimation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual user size and strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates force sensors and position sensors that provide real-time feedback about user characteristics and equipment positioning. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to individual user size and strength by adjusting the loading interface position and resistance levels based on measured data, while requiring minimal user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated adjustment. The actuator system can continuously adapt the equipment configuration based on real-time sensor data, allowing the equipment to dynamically accommodate different users and their changing needs during exercise sessions.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is implemented through automated mechanisms, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it positions the loading interface, maintains tension during exercise, and can be controlled through various interfaces (manual, automated, or hybrid). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing precise positioning and adaptive control capabilities that improve both measurement precision and user accommodation.
4Reliability
If force sensors and position sensors are integrated, then reliability of exercise safety and effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors and position sensors provide continuous feedback about user exertion and equipment positioning. This feedback enables the control system to monitor exercise safety in real-time, adjust resistance levels appropriately, and prevent improper positioning that could cause injury, thereby significantly improving exercise safety and effectiveness despite the added sensor complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus and related method according to which the exercise apparatus includes a loading interface, a user support, and a load-bearing mechanism operably coupled between the loading interface and the user support. A load-bearing mechanism adapted to be operably coupled between a loading interface and a user support of an exercise apparatus. The load-bearing mechanism includes an actuator, a position sensor, and a force sensor. A method for adjusting a relative distance between a loading interface and a user support of an exercise apparatus using a load-bearing mechanism to accommodate users of varying size. Exercise systems and related methods according to which a kiosk is in communication with one or more of the following: a grip-strength tester or component(s) thereof; a balance board or component(s) thereof; a vibration system or component(s) thereof; and/or other exercise devices or systems.