Rowing Machine Motor Control for Dynamic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rowing exercise machines struggle to provide varied resistances for different training scenarios, leading to a complex structure and an inability to simulate the action of recovering an oar effectively, as the resistance is fixed and only relative to the user's pulling speed.
Innovation Solution
A rowing exercise machine with a power output module, including a motor, controlling device, and encoder, that provides adjustable resistance through a cable rolling system, allowing for dynamic resistance changes during both pulling and recovery actions, and includes a torque enhancing device to output higher torque and adjustable resistance profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rowing exercise machines use fan-based, water box based, or magnetic force based devices to provide resistance, then the resistance is relative to the user's pulling speed, but the machine cannot provide various resistances to meet different training demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical resistance systems (fan-based, water box based, or magnetic force based devices) with a motor-driven cable rolling device. The motor can be controlled to provide variable resistance through electronic control, allowing different training scenarios without complex mechanical adjustments. The cable rolling device winds or unwinds the cable based on control signals, dynamically adjusting resistance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable resistance by changing the operational parameters of the motor-driven system. The controlling device adjusts the motor's rotational speed, torque, and direction based on preset programs or user input, thereby changing the resistance characteristics. This allows the same physical system to provide multiple resistance profiles for different training needs.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rowing exercise machines include a recovery mechanism to provide restoring force, then the user is assisted to complete the rowing action, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven cable rolling device serves multiple functions: it provides resistance during the pulling phase and automatically provides restoring force during the recovery phase. The same motor system that creates resistance can be controlled to wind the cable back, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical recovery mechanism. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's controlled operation to automatically reset the cable position after each pulling action. The controlling device detects the completion of a pulling stroke and automatically activates the motor to wind the cable back to the starting position, providing self-service recovery without requiring additional mechanical components or manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rowing exercise machines have a fixed restoring force, then the structure is simpler, but the user is hard to simulate the action of recovering an oar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed restoring force into a dynamic, variable resistance system. The motor-driven cable rolling device can adjust the restoring force in real-time based on the user's motion phase, speed, and training program. During the recovery action, the motor can be controlled to provide progressively increasing or decreasing resistance, simulating the natural variation in oar recovery effort throughout the stroke cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the user's pulling speed, position, and force, and feeds this information back to the controlling device. Based on this feedback, the controlling device dynamically adjusts the motor's output to provide appropriate resistance during both pulling and recovery phases. This closed-loop control enables realistic simulation of oar recovery actions while maintaining system simplicity through intelligent algorithms.
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 simulation of various resistances for different training scenarios, enhancing user training capabilities by providing customizable resistance levels and reducing the risk of injury through intelligent feedback control, thus improving the effectiveness and safety of rowing exercises.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a controlling module, an encoder
Implementation Method 2
an encoder electrically connected to the controlling device and configured to sense an operational state of the motor
Implementation Method 3
The cable rolling device is coupled to the power output module and rotated in same direction as the motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure illustrates a rowing exercise machine which includes a support structure, a power output module, a cable rolling device, a cable, a handle assembly and an operating module. The power output module is disposed at an end of the support structure. The power output module includes a motor, a controlling device and an encoder. The controlling device is connected to the motor, and receives a sensing signal and a setting signal, and transmits a control signal. The encoder is electrically connected to the controlling device and configured to sense an operational state of the motor and output the sensing signal. The cable rolling device is coupled to a torque enhancing device. An end of the cable is wound on the cable rolling device. The handle assembly is coupled on the other end of the cable. The operating module is connected to the power output module.