Networked Exercise Machine Load Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise machines are limited in providing realistic training for coordinated sports as they often require multiple athletes to assemble at a single location, are costly, and lack the ability to simulate dynamic load adjustments and real-time competition between distant users.

Innovation Solution

The system integrates electrical machines with adjustable resistive loads and networked communication to allow athletes on separate machines to train together or against simulated teammates, enabling customizable load profiles and real-time synchronization across distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple athletes assemble at a common location to use a team trainer, then coordinative training is enabled, but travel time and scheduling coordination are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinative training capabilityVSAvoidtravel and scheduling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the team training experience by mechanically coupling individual trainers through a network system. Each trainer replicates the coordinative training environment remotely, allowing athletes to train together without physical assembly. The system captures and transmits motion data between trainers, creating a virtual team dynamic that mimics actual coordinated sport practice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network system as an intermediary between geographically dispersed trainers. This intermediary transmits motion data and coordinates loading between individual trainers, enabling coordinative training without requiring athletes to be physically present together. The network acts as a mediator that synchronizes training sessions and manages the mechanical coupling virtuality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large multi-user trainer is constructed to accommodate N athletes, then team training is enabled, but the device size and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteam training capabilityVSAvoidtrainer size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the team training function into separate, independent trainer units that can be distributed across multiple locations. Instead of one large multi-user trainer, the system uses N individual trainers that are mechanically coupled through a network. Each trainer maintains its own structure and components, eliminating the need for a bulky integrated multi-user platform while preserving team training capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical mechanical coupling of a large multi-user trainer with an electronic/network-based mechanical coupling system. Individual trainers remain physically separate but are connected through a network that transmits motion data and coordinates loading. This substitution eliminates the need for a large integrated mechanical structure while achieving the same team training effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If dissipative loads are driven by each individual athlete on separate machines, then individual training is enabled, but dynamic team coordination and real-time competition are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual training accessibilityVSAvoidteam coordination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback loops where each trainer receives motion data from other trainers in the network and adjusts its loading accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic team coordination by allowing each athlete's performance to influence the training conditions of others in real-time. The system also provides feedback for simulated competitions, creating responsive and adaptive team training experiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables realistic team training without the need for athletes to be in the same location, reduces costs, and allows for dynamic load adjustments and simulated competitions, enhancing the effectiveness of exercise machine training.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical machine converts mechanical energy from the user's exercise motion into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the electrical signal is dissipated as heat by the resistive load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11278761B2Apparatus and method for increased realism of training on exercise machines

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 CREW INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

An exercise machine includes a cyclical actuator and a mechanical energy storage device. Connective structure operatively connects the cyclical actuator to the mechanical energy storage device. Motion of the cyclical actuator urges physical motion of and energy storage in the mechanical energy storage device. The exercise machine further includes an electric machine. A communication pathway enables exchange of data between multiple associated exercise machines such that multiple associated operators on multiple associated exercise machines have a common experience.