Exercise Apparatus with MVC-Based Force and Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment lacks the capability to effectively control and provide isometric, isokinetic, isotonic, and isodynamic exercises, which are beneficial for health but are not widely practiced due to the lack of suitable machines to manage user-specific force and velocity profiles.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system with sensors and actuators that measure a user's maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) to tailor exercise protocols, including specified exertions, force and velocity profiles, and rest periods, ensuring users perform exercises according to a user-specific protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional exercise machines are used, then basic exercise functions are provided, but they cannot control force and velocity profiles for isometric, isokinetic, isotonic, and isodynamic exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise machine implements dynamic control of force and velocity profiles through computer-controlled mechanisms. The system can adjust resistance force and movement velocity in real-time during exercise execution, enabling transition between isometric, isokinetic, isotonic, and isodynamic exercise modes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single machine to provide multiple exercise types that were previously requiring different specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to measure user exertion force and movement velocity, feeding this data back to the control system. The controller uses this feedback to maintain specified force and velocity profiles during exercise execution, ensuring precise control over the exercise parameters regardless of user performance variations. This closed-loop control enables accurate implementation of complex exercise protocols.
2Reliability
If user-specific exercise protocols are implemented, then exercise effectiveness and safety are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the user's maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force before generating the exercise protocol. Based on this pre-measured MVC value, the controller automatically calculates and sets appropriate target forces for different exercise types (e.g., percentages of MVC for strength training vs. endurance). This preliminary calibration ensures each user receives a personalized, safe, and effective protocol without requiring complex manual programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise system automatically generates and adjusts protocols based on user-specific measurements and predefined exercise guidelines. The controller autonomously determines appropriate force profiles, velocity profiles, and exercise parameters without requiring expert intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the user interface while maintaining personalized, safe exercise prescription.
3Manufacturing precision
If force and velocity control is implemented, then exercise precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simplified digital representations of exercise protocols that abstract away the complex force and velocity control details from the user. Instead of requiring users to manually control force profiles and velocity curves, they select from pre-defined exercise types (isometric, isokinetic, etc.), and the controller handles the precise parameter management. This copying approach maintains high control precision while presenting a simple interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of exercise parameters with computer-controlled actuation. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust resistance mechanisms or speed controls, the electronic control system automatically manages force and velocity profiles through motor control and feedback mechanisms. This substitution of electronic control for manual mechanical adjustment maintains precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A scientifically controlled exercise based on a measurement of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). A mechanical apparatus includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The apparatus receives a mechanical exertion from a user while the processor receives signals from the sensor and sends signals to the actuator to control the mechanical apparatus. The processor measures a MVC exerted by a user and determines a protocol for the exercise based on the measured MVC. The protocol includes a specified exertion to be performed by a user, the specified force and velocity profile governing the exertion, and a specified sequence of repetitions of the exertion, spaced by rest periods. The protocol includes real-time feedback to the user related to compliance with the protocol. The methodology and equipment described herein provides users a safe and effective means of improving muscular strength or endurance and ameliorating various neurological or physiological conditions.