Motor Torque Drop Sets for Near-Failure Digital Resistance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional exercise devices require manual adjustment of tension and are less versatile compared to digital exercise devices, which lack the ability to provide dynamic resistance and emulate various workout experiences efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A digital exercise device using a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with dynamic torque control to adjust tension/resistance instantaneously, incorporating a flywheel inertia model to simulate flywheel-based workouts and support blended strength and high-intensity interval training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional weight stacks are used, then manual tension adjustment is possible, but versatility in providing dynamic resistance and instantaneous tension changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight stack system with an electronic motor-driven system. A motor coupled to a spool dynamically adjusts cable tension through electronic control, eliminating the need for manual weight plate adjustments while enabling instantaneous tension changes and diverse resistance profiles including flywheel emulation and drop set modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic resistance adjustment through real-time motor control. The controller modifies motor torque and spool rotation speed dynamically during exercise movements, allowing tension to change instantaneously based on user performance metrics such as velocity, position, and force, thereby providing adaptive resistance without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital exercise device with motor control is used, then dynamic resistance adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-spool assembly serves multiple functions: it provides basic resistance, emulates flywheel inertia, enables drop set protocols, and supports various exercise movements. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated electronic control platform, managing complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor user performance parameters such as cable velocity, position, and force. This feedback is processed by the controller to automatically adjust motor torque and maintain target resistance profiles, enabling sophisticated resistance control through closed-loop feedback rather than complex open-loop mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flywheel inertia model is implemented, then cardiovascular training capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual flywheel model through software control rather than using a physical flywheel. The controller calculates and applies torque that replicates the inertial characteristics of a flywheel with specific moment of inertia, allowing flywheel-based cardiovascular training on a device designed for strength training without requiring actual flywheel hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor torque parameters to simulate different flywheel inertia values. By modifying the torque-speed relationship in real-time, the system can emulate various flywheel characteristics and resistance profiles, enabling cardiovascular training capabilities through parameter modulation rather than physical hardware changes.
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 digital exercise device offers versatile, efficient, and engaging workout experiences by dynamically controlling tension and inertia, enabling seamless transitions between different workout phases and modes, including flywheel emulation for improved cardiovascular health.
Implementation Method 1
A digital exercise device utilizing a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor and electronic control to dynamically adjust tension
Implementation Method 2
dynamically adjust tension via a flywheel inertia model, allowing for continuous and real-time resistance changes
Data Source
AI summary
A velocity of a user when performing repetitions of an exercise movement on an actuator is monitored. Based at least in part on an evaluation of the monitored velocity, it is determined that the user is within a range of proximity away from failure. In response to determining that the user is within the range of proximity away from failure: torque requested of a motor is dynamically adjusted to drop resistance to maintain the user within the range of proximity away from failure. In one embodiment, the motor provides resistance to the actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the motor.