Independent Pedal Load Control for Exercise Therapy Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exercise therapy devices using isokinetic load control and constant-watt load control face challenges in maintaining constant load torque and watt application when the exerciser's leg strength significantly differs between the left and right legs, leading to inconsistent power delivery.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that independently adjusts target rotation speed values and gains for each pedal, switching between isokinetic load control and constant-watt load control based on applied rotation torque and pedal position to ensure equal load torque and constant average and peak watt values across both pedals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If isokinetic load control and constant-watt load control are used in combination with independent adjustment for each pedal, then exercise load control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise load control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent left and right pedal control channels, each with its own isokinetic load control parameters (target rotation speed value and gain). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of load torque for each pedal, improving exercise load control precision while managing complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between isokinetic load control and constant-watt load control based on real-time pedal position and rotation torque conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain constant watt application during phases where leg strength differs significantly, while using isokinetic control when appropriate, thereby improving overall control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If independent isokinetic load control is applied to each pedal, then adaptability to different leg strengths is improved, but consistency of watt application deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different leg strengthsVSAvoidconsistency of watt application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control mode dynamically switches between isokinetic load control and constant-watt load control based on real-time conditions (pedal position and rotation torque). When leg strength differs significantly, the system transitions to constant-watt control to maintain consistent power delivery, while still allowing independent parameter adjustment for each pedal to adapt to individual leg capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters (target rotation speed value and gain) independently for left and right pedals based on detected leg strength characteristics. This parameter adaptation allows the system to accommodate significant differences in leg strength while maintaining appropriate load levels for each limb

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If load torque is independently controlled for each pedal, then exercise ability accommodation is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise ability accommodationVSAvoidmeasurement and control difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to detect pedal rotation torque and position, using this information to dynamically adjust control parameters for each pedal independently. The feedback loop monitors leg strength characteristics and automatically adapts the isokinetic load control parameters to accommodate different exercise abilities, reducing the complexity of manual measurement and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9713744B2Exercise therapy device

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ENG CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a control apparatus and method for an exercise therapy device, including: an isokinetic load control part for holding and adjusting a target rotation speed value and a gain for a left pedal and a target rotation speed value and a gain for a right pedal independently, to thereby perform the isokinetic load control to control a load torque to be applied to the left pedal and a load torque to be applied to the right pedal independently; and a switch for determining which of the isokinetic load control for the left pedal and the isokinetic load control for the right pedal is to be used, to thereby switch a measured rotation speed value and a target torque value.