Motor-Driven Exercise Resistance Control With Low Inertial Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance training systems, such as gravity weight systems and elastometric systems, face challenges including bulkiness, high inertial mass, limited resistance zones, inconsistent resistance, and the need for additional personnel or complex mechanisms to achieve variable resistance.
Innovation Solution
A programmable electronic resistance system that uses a motor, such as a DC motor, to provide variable resistance through a flexible exercise resistance member like a cable, controlled by a system that varies the current supplied to the motor based on real-time sensing of cable position and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If gravity weight systems are used to provide resistance, then resistance levels can be increased, but the system becomes bulkier and has higher inertial mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gravity weight system with an electronic motor-driven system. The motor (102) provides resistance through controlled electromagnetic torque rather than gravitational force from physical weights, eliminating the need for bulky weight stacks while maintaining variable resistance capability across a wide range (1-300+ pounds).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the resistance parameter by varying the electrical current supplied to the motor. The controller (104) adjusts motor torque in real-time based on sensed cable position and velocity, allowing resistance levels to be modified without physically changing the system configuration or adding/removing weights.
2Weight of moving object
If elastometric systems are used to provide resistance, then the system has lower inertial mass, but the resistance zones are limited and resistance consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resistance characteristics throughout the exercise stroke by continuously varying motor torque based on real-time feedback from position and velocity sensors. This enables the creation of multiple resistance zones and profiles (including elastometric, reverse elastometric, and differential resistance) within a single continuous range of motion, overcoming the limited resistance zones of static elastometric systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from position and velocity sensing to continuously adjust motor output, ensuring consistent and precise resistance delivery. This closed-loop control maintains resistance consistency across the full range of motion, addressing the inconsistency problem of elastometric systems while preserving their low inertial mass advantage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable resistance is achieved through additional personnel or complex mechanisms, then resistance profiles can be varied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated variable resistance through electronic control without requiring additional personnel to manually adjust weights or provide spotting assistance. The controller automatically generates diverse resistance profiles (pyramiding, ramping, muscle confusion, weight stripping, weight augmenting) through programmed motor control algorithms, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mechanisms or human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
A single motor-driven mechanism performs multiple resistance training functions that would traditionally require separate machines or manual intervention. The system can deliver constant resistance, variable resistance, ascending/descending resistance profiles, and differential resistance all through one unified electronic control system, greatly simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
The system offers low inertial mass, allowing for resistance levels from 1 pound to over 300 pounds, with precise control over resistance profiles, including elastometric, reverse elastometric, and differential resistance exercises, enhancing user safety and training efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A programmable electronic resistance system includes a motor (102) that provides resistance to a user
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.