Lockable Mount Sensors for Dynamic Resistance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional strength training methods, such as fixed-track machines and free weights, often isolate single muscles or activate stabilizer muscles excessively, limiting the effectiveness of workouts and requiring manual adjustment of resistance levels.
Innovation Solution
A digital strength training system using a three-phase brushless DC motor with a controller circuit and sensors to dynamically control cable tension, allowing for arbitrary applied tension curves and real-time adjustments, mimicking the resistance of a weight stack without the need for physical weight changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-track machines or free weights are used, then muscle isolation or stabilizer activation is achieved, but workout effectiveness is limited and manual adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance system where the motor continuously adjusts cable tension based on real-time feedback from position and force sensors. This allows the resistance curve to adapt dynamically throughout the range of motion, optimizing muscle activation without manual intervention. The system transitions from static resistance (traditional weights) to dynamic resistance (motor-controlled), resolving the contradiction between workout effectiveness and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of resistance force by controlling motor output torque as a function of position, velocity, and time. The controller modifies the resistance profile in real-time based on programmed exercise protocols, enabling arbitrary tension curves that can be customized for different muscle groups and exercise types. This parameter control eliminates the need for manual weight adjustments while maximizing workout effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical weight changes are used to adjust resistance, then resistance levels can be modified, but the system becomes bulky and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight stack system with an electromechanical motor-driven system. Instead of physically changing weights, the system uses a motor to generate and control resistance forces electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for large weight stacks and multiple physical components, significantly reducing system volume while maintaining full resistance adjustment capability through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven resistance system serves multiple functions: it can provide variable resistance levels, adjust resistance curves, control motion speed, and adapt to different exercise protocols, all within a single compact mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple weight stacks and adjustment mechanisms, achieving versatility without increasing system size.
3Reliability
If continuous control over resistance is implemented, then full-range motion and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where position sensors and force sensors continuously monitor the exercise motion and resistance forces, feeding this information back to the motor controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust motor output in real-time, ensuring the resistance follows the programmed curve and detecting abnormal conditions for safety shutdown. This feedback mechanism provides continuous control and safety monitoring while managing complexity through standardized control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller circuit as an intermediary between the motor and the mechanical exercise components. This intermediary processes sensor data, executes control algorithms, and generates motor commands, effectively managing the complexity of continuous control. The controller acts as a mediator that translates high-level exercise protocols into low-level motor control signals, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated resistance management and safety features.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine is disclosed. The exercise machine comprises a motor. The exercise machine comprises a gearbox coupled to the motor, wherein the gearbox comprises bevel gears. The exercise machine comprises a spool coupled to the gearbox. The exercise machine comprises a cable wound about the spool.A second exercise machine is disclosed. The second exercise machine comprises a motor. The second exercise machine comprises a lockable translatable mount. The second exercise machine comprises a cable coupled to the motor via the lockable translatable mount. The second exercise machine comprises a sensor coupled to the lockable translatable mount, wherein the sensor is used at least in part to determine mount lock state.A third exercise machine is disclosed. The third exercise machine comprises a motor. The third exercise machine comprises a mount. The third exercise machine comprises a cable coupled to the motor via the mount. The third exercise machine comprises a sensor coupled to the mount, wherein the sensor is used at least in part to determine mount lock state. The third exercise machine comprises a lockable arm coupled to the mount and a second sensor coupled to the lockable arm, wherein the second sensor is used at least in part to determine arm angle.