Motorized Resistance Training System for Variable Muscle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weight lifting equipment restricts users to a constant resistance level throughout the range of motion (ROM), under-training muscles in stronger regions and failing to adequately utilize the greater strength potential during lengthening contractions, leading to inadequate muscle development and increased injury risk.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled, motorized resistance training system that varies resistance levels across the ROM and with the direction of movement, using real-time graphical feedback to guide users through velocity-controlled shortening and lengthening contraction protocols, allowing for optimal loading of muscles in both phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a constant resistance level is applied throughout the range of motion in traditional weight lifting, then the equipment structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the muscles are under-trained in stronger regions and the training effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, constant resistance weight stack to a dynamic, variable resistance system. The motorized mechanism adjusts the resistance level in real-time based on the user's position in the range of motion and the direction of movement, allowing the resistance to match the muscle's strength curve at each point. This dynamic adjustment maximizes training effectiveness without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the resistance parameter throughout the range of motion. Instead of maintaining a fixed weight, the system continuously modifies the resistance level to optimize the training stimulus. The resistance is increased in stronger regions and adjusted during lengthening contractions to exploit the muscle's greater force-generating capacity, thereby improving training effectiveness while managing equipment complexity through automated control.
2Productivity
If traditional weight machines limit users to a single fixed weight, then the device is easy to operate, but the muscles are under-loaded during the lengthening contraction phase where they can generate 1.5 to 3 times more force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust resistance levels without user intervention. The motorized mechanism monitors the user's position and movement direction, then autonomously modifies the resistance to match the muscle's force-generating capacity at each point in the range of motion. This allows the system to exploit the lengthening contraction advantage and optimize muscle loading while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's position in the range of motion and the direction of movement. This real-time feedback enables the system to adjust the resistance level appropriately, ensuring optimal muscle loading during both shortening and lengthening contractions. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to the user's physiological state and maximize training effectiveness while keeping the interface simple and easy to operate.
3Productivity
If a higher resistance weight is selected to train stronger muscle regions, then the training stimulus increases in those regions, but the user cannot complete the repetition at the weakest position in the range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance variable rather than fixed. The motorized mechanism continuously adjusts the resistance level to match the user's strength curve at each position in the range of motion. This allows the system to provide a high training stimulus in stronger regions while reducing resistance at weaker positions, ensuring the user can complete the full repetition without compromising repetition completion or training effectiveness.
4Productivity
If traditional weight training under-loads the lengthening contraction phase, then the equipment remains simple, but significant strength gains and injury protection opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying the resistance parameter during the lengthening contraction phase. The system detects when the user is in the lengthening phase and automatically adjusts the resistance to match the muscle's enhanced force-generating capacity during this phase. This allows the system to exploit the lengthening contraction advantage for greater strength gains and injury protection while managing device complexity through automated motorized control and software management.
Data Source
AI summary
A training system and method include providing a frame, a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user, and a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by the body part. A force sensor is provided for sensing a user-applied force at the user engagement portion, and a position sensor is operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween. A motor is coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity, and a controller is provided in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the position sensor. A knee position mechanism is movably coupled to the frame between the user support portion and the user engagement portion, the knee position mechanism including a sensor in communication with the controller for tracking a horizontal position of a knee of the user over the range of motion.