Magnetic Resistance Exercise Apparatus with Segmented Coil Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatus lack an efficient and adjustable resistance mechanism that can vary force dynamically to assist or resist user movement, often relying on complex control systems for permanent magnets and requiring additional components for varying resistance.
Innovation Solution
A load system utilizing a longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units with a movable shuttle, where the supply of electric current to each coil unit is independently controlled by a microprocessor to create a magnetic field, allowing for sequential activation and deactivation to provide adjustable resistance or assistance, and can be used with either ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic shuttles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent magnet is used in the load system, then the magnetic field is stable, but the system complexity increases due to additional control components required for varying resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with electromagnets (coil units) to generate the magnetic field. This substitution allows the magnetic field to be controlled electrically through a microprocessor, enabling dynamic adjustment of resistance levels without requiring complex mechanical control systems. The electromagnetic field generation provides both stability and programmable variability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistance is varied using additional components, then the resistance adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load system is segmented into multiple independent coil units arranged in a series. Each coil unit can be independently controlled by the microprocessor to provide magnetic resistance. This segmentation allows for precise resistance adjustment by activating different combinations of coil units, eliminating the need for additional resistance variation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic resistance adjustment through programmable control of the coil units. The microprocessor can vary the resistance levels in real-time based on exercise requirements, user feedback, and pre-programmed protocols. This dynamic control provides versatility without adding physical components for resistance variation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sequential activation of coil units is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil units are activated sequentially in a periodic manner as the shuttle moves through the passage. The microprocessor controls the timing and sequence of coil activation based on shuttle position feedback. This periodic activation ensures that only the necessary coil units are energized at any given time, optimizing energy consumption while the microprocessor manages the control logic efficiently.
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 control of resistance and assistance during exercise, allowing for customizable workout profiles, improved user safety through dynamic force adjustment, and integration with existing equipment, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of exercise routines.
Implementation Method 1
a load system which provides an adjustable force to resist or assist the force exerted by the user by means of magnetic interaction between a fixed component and a movable component
Implementation Method 2
a coil assembly which is energised by electricity from a source of electric current under the control of a microprocessor control unit so as to create a magnetic field which exerts a force on the other component
Implementation Method 3
the supply of electric current from the source to each coil unit is independently controllable by the control unit so that the source of electric current is connected to and disconnected from the coil units sequentially in a longitudinal direction as the shuttle moves in that longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Exercise apparatus (1) in which a person exercising exerts a force against a movable actuator (6) to which is applied an adjustable force by a load system which resists or assists the movement of the actuator and is connected to the actuator by cables (9). The load system comprises a fixed, longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units (15), each coil unit being independently connectible to a source of electric current. The series of coils provides an elongate passage (18), and a shuttle (19) of ferromagnetic material is mounted for relative longitudinal movement within the passage, in response to movement of the actuator. Passage of a current through a coil unit exerts a force on the shuttle when in that coil unit, and is controlled by a microprocessor (22).