Motorized Reformer Carriage Biasing for Programmable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reformers using coil springs require manual adjustment and replacement, lack non-linear resistance options, and have finite longevity, limiting user experience and exercise variety.
Innovation Solution
A motorized reformer exercise apparatus with a motor and controller system that continuously biases a carriage using a cord member, allowing adjustable and programmable resistance through a retrofit kit, replacing traditional springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil springs are used to bias the carriage, then the reformer provides resistance for exercise, but the springs have finite longevity and require periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coil spring system with an electric motor system that includes a motor, reel, and cord member. The motor continuously biases the carriage toward the foot end through the cord member wound on the reel, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and their associated maintenance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple springs with different spring rates are used, then users can select various resistance combinations, but the user must dismount and manually rehook springs to change combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where a controller can electronically adjust the motor's output to simulate different spring rates and combinations. This allows users to change resistance profiles without manual intervention, as the controller programmatically modifies the biasing force to match desired exercise parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical system of hooking and unhooking springs is replaced with an electric motor and electronic controller system. The controller receives input and adjusts the motor's torque output accordingly, providing seamless resistance changes without requiring user dismount or manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs are used, then the reformer provides linear resistance during extension, but this prevents non-linear resistance profiles needed for rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the controller can programmatically adjust the motor's torque output throughout the range of motion. This enables the system to simulate non-linear resistance profiles that match specific rehabilitation protocols or exercise requirements, going beyond the fixed linear resistance of traditional springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic changes in resistance parameters through electronic control. The controller can modify the motor's output characteristics in real-time during exercise, enabling transition between different resistance profiles (linear, non-linear, progressive, regressive) without changing physical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized system is implemented, then seamless adjustment and non-linear resistance are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single motorized system: the motor provides continuous biasing force, the reel manages cord deployment and retraction, and the controller handles resistance adjustment. This multi-functional integration achieves the benefits of adjustable and non-linear resistance while consolidating components rather than adding separate mechanisms for each function.
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 seamless adjustment of resistance levels, simulates non-linear force profiles, and extends the lifespan of the reformer by eliminating the need for spring replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a motor fastened to the carriage driving a cord member removably coupled from the motor on the carriage to an anchor fastened to the foot end of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A reformer exercise apparatus includes a frame having one or more rails spaced between a head end and a foot end of the frame, a carriage supported on the one or more rails for reciprocal movement of the carriage between the head end and the foot end of the frame, and an inverted U shaped foot bar carried by the one or more rails and selectively positionable near the foot end of the frame. The apparatus has an electrical motor and controller assembly fastened to the carriage that drives a cord member removably coupled from the motor on the carriage to an anchor fastened to the foot end of the frame. This motor is operable to continuously bias the cord member on the carriage toward the foot end of the frame. The motor and controller assembly alternately form a retrofit kit for replacement of springs on a conventional reformer.