Motor-Controlled Resistance Training Machine for Form Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance training equipment is limited in exercise modes, force production, ease of use, and safety, and lacks feedback on user form and balance during workouts.
Innovation Solution
A resistance training machine with electric motors that can perform isotonic and isokinetic exercises, provide adjustable resistance, and offer real-time feedback on user form and balance through integrated sensors and a human-machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional resistance training equipment (free weights, weight machines) is used, then isotonic exercises can be performed, but adjusting weight is inconvenient and requires adding or removing plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight adjustment system (plates, clips, dumbbells) with an electronic motorized system. The motor controller receives signals from the user interface and adjusts the resistance by controlling the motor's output, eliminating the need for manual plate changes. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electronic control directly resolves the contradiction by making weight adjustment instantaneous and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic change of resistance parameters through electronic control. The motor controller can adjust the resistance level by modifying motor torque output based on user selection, allowing continuous parameter adjustment without physical reconfiguration. This resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid parameter changes that were previously time-consuming mechanical operations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional resistance training equipment is used, then exercises can be performed, but initiating exercise creates undue strain since force acts as a step function from zero to full resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance control where the motor controller gradually increases resistance from zero to the target level during exercise initiation, rather than applying full resistance abruptly. The system continuously adjusts motor torque based on the exercise phase and user performance, creating a smooth, progressive force application that eliminates sudden strain while maintaining operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional resistance training equipment is used, then specific exercises can be performed, but a plurality of equipment is required to access a variety of exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resistance training machine that can perform multiple exercise modes (isotonic, isokinetic, and other modes) through a single integrated system. The motor controller and user interface coordinate the cables and pulleys to enable different exercise patterns and resistance profiles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized equipment while providing comprehensive exercise versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic cable tensioning and motor control to adapt the same mechanical system for different exercise modes. By programmatically adjusting resistance characteristics, velocity control, and cable tension timing, the system provides diverse exercise capabilities (isotonic, isokinetic, and other modes) without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple equipment sets, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
4Force
If smart exercise machines with electronic motors are used, then resistive forces can be adjusted to user's strength level, but the machines are limited in the amount of force they produce and are unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cables and pulleys as intermediary mechanical elements between the motor and the user. This mechanical advantage system allows a relatively small motor to generate high resistive forces through cable tension multiplication. The cables transmit and amplify the motor's force output, enabling high force capability without requiring a large, unwieldy motor, thus resolving the contradiction between force capability and device compactness.
5Reliability
If smart exercise machines are used, then resistance can be adjusted electronically, but they fail to provide adequate safety measures for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the motor controller continuously monitors user performance and cable position, adjusting resistance in real-time based on this feedback. The system can detect improper form or unsafe conditions and automatically modify resistance levels or provide alerts through the user interface, providing adequate safety measures through intelligent control rather than complex mechanical safety devices, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and complexity.
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 a wide range of exercises with adjustable resistance, enhances user safety, and improves workout efficacy by providing real-time feedback on form and balance.
Implementation Method 1
a motor ramping up the cable to a constant velocity or a constant force, depending on the exercise mode
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance training machine, a method of providing custom workouts, and a method of providing feedback on user form and user balance are disclosed. Provided herein are Methods and Systems For Controlling Resistance Training Machine that provides varying force and velocity levels for isokinetic and isotonic exercises, respectively, for a user.