Kinesitherapy Apparatus Dynamic Load Control for Anaerobic Threshold Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current kinesitherapy apparatuses face challenges in accurately calculating the anaerobic threshold (AT) for individuals with low physical strength or heavy lower limbs, as the warm-up periods with constant loads lead to insufficient measurement points during ramp loading, resulting in diminished precision.
Innovation Solution
A kinesitherapy apparatus with a rotating electrical machine and motion control device that applies a minus assist load during the warm-up period and increases the regenerative load at a constant proportion during ramp loading, allowing for the collection of time-series data on oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide emission, and ventilation volume to calculate the AT with improved precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a constant load is applied during the warm-up period, then the exercise stress test can be conducted with a standardized protocol, but the number of measurement points below the anaerobic threshold is insufficient, resulting in diminished precision of AT calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic load adjustment strategy where the assist load is decreased and regenerative load is increased at a constant proportion during the ramp loading period, transitioning from minus assist load to regenerative load. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the distribution of measurement points across the anaerobic threshold range, increasing the number of measurement points below AT and improving calculation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the load parameter during the test by adjusting the assist load and regenerative load proportions. Specifically, the system transitions from applying only assist load during warm-up to a combination of decreased assist load and increased regenerative load during ramp loading, with the proportion of regenerative load increasing at a constant rate. This parameter change optimizes measurement point distribution.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp loading period starts from zero load, then the test protocol is simple to implement, but individuals with low physical strength or heavy lower limbs cannot generate sufficient measurement data below the anaerobic threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary warm-up period with minus assist load before the ramp loading period. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a baseline and gradually transition into the ramp loading phase, ensuring that even individuals with low physical strength can generate sufficient measurement data below the anaerobic threshold while maintaining protocol simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary phase (warm-up period with minus assist load) between the resting period and the ramp loading period. This intermediary phase acts as a mediator that helps individuals with low physical strength or heavy lower limbs gradually adapt to the testing conditions, enabling them to generate sufficient measurement data without complicating the overall test protocol.
3Ease of operation
If the assist load is maintained at a high level during warm-up, then the pedaling motion can be maintained easily, but the metabolic baseline is elevated, reducing the number of valid measurement points during subsequent ramp loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by applying minus assist load (negative load) during the warm-up period instead of positive resistive load. This inversion allows the system to maintain pedaling motion ease while actually reducing the metabolic baseline, thereby increasing the number of valid measurement points during subsequent ramp loading periods.
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
This approach enables the calculation of a stable AT by starting the ramp loading period from a state with a power running current greater than mechanical friction, increasing the number of measurement points below the AT, thereby enhancing the precision of the AT calculation.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating electrical machine, which is linked to the pedaled rotational mechanism via a transmission mechanism, and is configured to apply an assist load, which is one of a regenerative load and a power running load, to the pedaled rotational mechanism by switching between regenerative operation and power running operation
Implementation Method 2
a rotating electrical machine, which is linked to the pedaled rotational mechanism via a transmission mechanism, and is configured to apply an assist load, which is one of a regenerative load and a power running load, to the pedaled rotational mechanism by switching between regenerative operation and power running operation
Data Source
AI summary
A kinesitherapy apparatus includes a measuring instrument, a pedaled rotational mechanism, a rotating electrical machine configured to apply an assist load, which is a regenerative load or a power running load, to the pedaled rotational mechanism, and a motion control device. The motion control device performs power running operation of the rotating electrical machine so that a minus assist load is generated in a warm-up period. In a ramp loading period following the warm-up period, the motion control device raises the assist load from the minus assist load, and calculates an anaerobic threshold based on time-series data of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide emission that are obtained via the measuring instrument.