Linear Motor Exercise Resistance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weight lifting equipment relies on dead weight stacks, which are limited in variability and resistance adjustment, and do not offer the flexibility needed for customized exercise routines.

Innovation Solution

The use of a linear motor system that replaces the weight stack, utilizing magnetic fields to generate variable resistance through an electro-magnetic force vector, controlled by a programmable logic and force generation control system, allowing for customizable resistance profiles and exercise routines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a weight stack is used to provide resistance, then the exercise machine can provide fixed weight resistance, but the variability and resistance adjustment flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance adjustment flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight stack system with a linear motor system that uses electromagnetic fields to generate resistance force. This substitution eliminates the need for physical weight stacks, pulleys, and cables, thereby dramatically improving resistance adjustment flexibility through programmable control while reducing overall device complexity by removing multiple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear motor system enables dynamic resistance adjustment during exercise routines, allowing the resistance profile to change continuously based on programmed parameters. This dynamic capability replaces the static, discrete weight selections of traditional weight stacks, providing seamless variability in resistance levels without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple weight stacks are incorporated to add predetermined weight during exercise progression, then resistance variability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance variabilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The linear motor system replaces multiple physical weight stacks with a single electromagnetic force generation system. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple discrete weight stacks and their associated mechanical structures, dramatically reducing the space requirements while maintaining or enhancing resistance variability through programmable control of the electromagnetic force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a linear motor system is used to provide variable resistance, then resistance adjustment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear motor system serves multiple functions: it provides resistance force, enables variable resistance adjustment, and can be programmed to implement different exercise routines and resistance profiles. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated solution, improving resistance adjustment flexibility while the control complexity is managed through software programming rather than additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise and adjustable resistance levels, allowing users to define their own exercise routines with varying resistance curves, enhancing the effectiveness of muscle building, strength training, and rehabilitation exercises while ensuring safety through fail-safe modes.

Implementation Method 1

a linear motor system that replaces the weight stack, utilizing magnetic fields to generate variable resistance through an electro-magnetic force vector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The linear motor includes a magnetic shaft and a forcer that is movable along the magnetic shaft when a user applies force in performing an exercise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8475338B2Linear motor system for an exercise machine

Publication Date: 2013.07.02 SMALLEY STEEL RING CO

AI summary

Exercise machines and linear motor systems for use in exercise machines are provided herein, where the linear motor provides a resistance force in response to a force generated by a user performing an exercise. The linear motor systems include a programmable logic and force generation control system, which is programmable to control the resistance provided by the linear motor.