Portable Exercise Device With 3D Cable Trajectory Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically driven resistance training devices are expensive, non-portable, and require cameras and large screens, limiting their use to indoor environments and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a user interface, resistance mechanism, and cable system that includes a sensor arrangement to detect orthogonal angles in a 3-dimensional space, using a pulley and cable follower system to track the cable's trajectory, allowing for portable and versatile resistance training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrically driven resistance training devices are equipped with cameras and large display screens to monitor user performance and provide training feedback, then the device can provide comprehensive training guidance and monitoring, but the cost of the device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring and feedback functionality from complex external devices (cameras, large screens) and integrates it into a simple wearable interface attached to the user's body. The wearable includes sensors that detect user position and movement, with feedback delivered through vibrations or visual indicators on the wearable itself, eliminating the need for expensive external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring by using wearables that automatically track user performance without requiring external cameras or screens. The resistance mechanism itself provides feedback through the cable connection, and the wearable devices independently monitor and display user position, allowing the system to serve itself without complex external infrastructure.
2Reliability
If electrically driven resistance training devices are designed with fixed indoor configuration, then the device can provide stable and safe training environment, but the device cannot be transported or used in alternative venues such as community gyms or outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance training system into portable components: a compact resistance mechanism, wearable sensors attached to the user's body, and a mobile computing device. This segmentation allows the system to be easily transported and used in various venues while maintaining reliable training functionality through the distributed sensor network and wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic portable system. The wearable devices can be moved with the user between indoor and outdoor environments, and the resistance mechanism can be adjusted for different training needs. The system adapts to different venues and training conditions while maintaining stability through software-controlled resistance adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical weight-based exercise equipment is used, then the device provides simple and effective resistance training, but the equipment is heavy, large, and difficult to transport or move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight stacks with an electrically driven resistance mechanism that uses a motor to generate resistance force. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy metal plates while providing adjustable resistance. The cable connection transmits this electrical resistance to the user, replacing the gravitational force of heavy weights with controllable electromagnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resistance parameter from fixed mechanical weight to electronically adjustable force. The resistance mechanism can dynamically adjust the resistance level based on training requirements, replacing the static weight configuration of traditional equipment. This allows the same compact device to provide varying resistance levels without requiring multiple heavy components.
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 portable and versatile resistance training by accurately tracking the user's movements in 3D space, reducing costs and eliminating the need for additional screens and cameras, while providing effective resistance training.
Implementation Method 1
the cable follower pivotally mounted to pivot about a first pivot axis and about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis orthogonal to the first pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a pulley to direct the cable as it extends from the device during use, the pulley comprising a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A personal exercise device with a cable and resistance mechanism comprises a sensor arrangement configured to detect two orthogonal angles to define a trajectory of the cable extending in a 3-dimensional space during use. The sensor arrangement comprises a pulley to direct the cable as it extends from the device during use, a cable follower through which the cable passes, the cable follower pivotally mounted to pivot about a first pivot axis and about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis orthogonal to the first pivot axis, and wherein the first pivot axis is collinear with a rotational axis of the pulley, and one or more sensors configured to detect pivoting of the cable follower about the first and second pivot axes and provide one or more outputs indicative of the two orthogonal angles to define the trajectory of the cable extending in the 3-dimensional space.