Motorized Neck Exercise Device with Force Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neck exercise devices lack controlled force application, often resulting in untargeted muscle exercise and potential safety hazards due to uncontrolled force direction and magnitude, as well as the inability to provide real-time feedback, making them ineffective for rehabilitation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device with a motor assembly that controls the movement of a receiving surface based on input force from the user, allowing for controlled isometric and isokinetic exercises, and providing real-time feedback to ensure safe and effective muscle targeting and injury prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional elastic or weight-based force generation means are used, then the device structure is simple, but the force direction and magnitude cannot be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical force generation systems (springs, weights, resistors) with an electromechanical force generator that uses a motor-driven mechanism. This substitution enables precise electronic control of force magnitude and direction through feedback sensors and control circuits, while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including force sensors and position sensors that continuously monitor the exercise parameters and provide real-time information to a control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of the force application to match the subject's movements, achieving precise control of force direction and magnitude throughout the range of motion.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic or weight-based force generation means are used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the force varies throughout the range of motion uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces variable mechanical force generation with an electromechanical system that can maintain constant or programmable force characteristics throughout the range of motion. The motor-driven mechanism with electronic control allows for consistent force application regardless of the exercise phase, while remaining manufacturable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the force generator, where the system can adjust force magnitude and direction in real-time based on the exercise phase and subject movement. This dynamic capability ensures consistent and controlled force application throughout the full range of motion, overcoming the limitations of static elastic or weight-based systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional force generation means are used, then the device is less complex, but it cannot provide immediate force elimination upon subject withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect subject presence and force application, providing real-time feedback to the control system. When the subject withdraws or stops exercising, the system immediately detects this change and ceases force generation, eliminating the risk of snap-back injury. This feedback-based safety mechanism is integrated into the existing device structure without significant added complexity.
4Device complexity
If conventional neck exercise devices are used, then the device structure is simpler, but they do not provide real-time feedback on subject performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors including force sensors, position sensors, and potentially motion sensors that continuously monitor exercise parameters and provide real-time feedback to the subject through displays or audio cues. This feedback system enables subjects to understand their performance in real-time, adjust their exercise technique, and track progress, while being integrated into the device structure with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices and methods for analysis and/or exercise of a body region of a subject. Such devices may include a guide arm supported by a support frame; a receiving surface supported by the guide arm, the receiving surface for receiving input force from the subject; and a motor assembly in communication with the guide arm, the motor assembly controlling movement of the receiving surface based on received input force. Exercise and/or analysis methods described herein may include steps of instructing the subject to apply an input force to a receiving surface; sensing the applied input force over time; and controlling movement of the receiving surface based on the received input force using a motor assembly, whereby the motor assembly moves the receiving surface in a pre-determined direction, so long as the input force remains within an allowable tolerance, until a pre-set end position is reached.