Power Trainer Force Feedback via Deflection Pulley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strength training devices do not allow users to effectively monitor the force exerted during exercises, as the resistance force is not directly perceivable, and the actuating members are not guided in opposite directions, which limits user feedback and control.
Innovation Solution
A strength training device with a device frame, actuating elements, a force transmitter with a flexible section guided over a deflection roller, a spring element, and a lever mechanism that converts the displacement of the deflection roller into a pointer deflection, enabling users to monitor the force exerted through a visible pointer, ensuring symmetrical loading and minimizing user risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the resistance force is not directly perceivable and actuating members are not guided in opposite directions, then the device structure is simpler, but the user feedback and control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by guiding the flexible section of the force transmitter over a deflection pulley connected to a pointer mechanism. As the actuating elements move in opposite directions, the deflection pulley rotates proportionally to the force applied, moving the pointer along a scaled arc to provide real-time visual feedback on the resistance force to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection pulley acts as an intermediary element that translates the force applied to the actuating elements into rotational movement of the pointer mechanism. This intermediary converts the otherwise imperceptible force into a visible pointer deflection, enabling user monitoring without adding significant structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating elements are moved in opposite directions along separate tracks with force monitoring, then the user feedback and control improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force transmission function and the measurement function into a single integrated mechanism. The flexible section of the force transmitter serves both to transmit force between actuating elements moving in opposite directions and to drive the deflection pulley that indicates the applied force, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection pulley serves multiple functions: it redirects the flexible section to accommodate the opposite direction movement of actuating elements, acts as a rotational amplifier to translate linear displacement into pointer movement, and provides the mechanical linkage for the force indication system.
3Measurement precision
If a pointer mechanism is added to indicate force applied, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmitter system is self-indicating through the deflection pulley mechanism. The same flexible section that transmits force between the actuating elements also drives the pointer mechanism, eliminating the need for separate force sensors or measurement devices. The system measures and displays the force it is transmitting without additional measurement infrastructure.
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
The device allows users to monitor and control the resistance force directly, providing symmetrical muscle loading and minimizing risk by using a force transmitter with equal force transmission factors, enabling precise adjustment of the exercise based on user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element connected in a force-transmitting manner between the axis of the deflection pulley and the device frame
Implementation Method 2
a flexible section which is slidably guided over a deflection pulley
Implementation Method 3
a lever mechanism and a pointer element, wherein the lever mechanism converts a displacement of the axis of the deflection pulley into a deflection of the pointer element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a power trainer device (10) having a device frame (9), a first actuating element (1), and a second actuating element (2), a force transmitter (3), connecting the first and the second actuating element (1, 2) and having a flexible section (3'), which is displaceably guided over a deflection roller (4) and the limbs of which are each operatively connected to one of the actuating elements (1, 2) with respect to the force flow, a spring element (5), connected in a force-transmitting manner between the shaft of the deflection roller (4) and the device frame (9), a lever mechanism (6) and a pointer element (7), wherein the lever mechanism (6) transforms a displacement of the shaft of the deflection roller (4) into a deflection of the pointer element (7).