Seated Knee Oscillation Sensor for Low-Impact Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device exercise systems are inadequate for individuals with limited mobility, as they require running or strenuous activity, which can be harmful to joints and are not suitable for the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, and there is a lack of effective exercise options for this growing population.
Innovation Solution
A system designed for exercising while sitting, featuring a rigid housing with motion sensing hardware that detects oscillatory knee motion, wirelessly communicates with a mobile device, and includes a mobile application to register user data, calculate energy expenditure, and display a virtual environment, allowing users to engage in impact-free exercise from a seated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pedometer systems require running or walking long distances, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but joint stress and harm to users with pre-existing conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional exercise approach by transitioning from weight-bearing standing exercise (running/walking) to non-weight-bearing seated exercise. The system detects knee oscillatory motion while the user is seated, eliminating impact forces on joints while maintaining exercise effectiveness through controlled rhythmic movement detection and virtual environment engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical impact-based exercise system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on ground reaction forces from running, the system uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect knee oscillatory motion patterns, substituting mechanical impact with electronic motion detection to achieve exercise tracking without joint stress.
2Power
If exercise systems are designed for standing activity, then exercise intensity is improved, but accessibility for elderly and limited mobility population deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an exercise system that functions for multiple user groups (able-bodied and limited mobility populations) through a single seated exercise modality. The knee oscillation detection mechanism works universally across different user capabilities, allowing both standing-capable users to perform seated exercise and limited mobility users to exercise from their chairs, thus expanding accessibility while maintaining exercise intensity through controlled motion parameters.
3Measurement precision
If motion sensors detect knee oscillatory motion, then exercise tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion detection function across multiple specialized sensors (accelerometers for linear acceleration, gyroscopes for angular velocity) rather than using a single complex sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor type to optimize for its specific measurement domain while the mobile device's processor integrates their outputs to achieve accurate knee oscillation detection without requiring a single overly complex sensing component.
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
Provides an efficient and effective means for individuals with limited mobility to exercise from a seated position, promoting motivation and activity while minimizing joint stress, offering a virtual tour experience that enhances user engagement and progress tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to identify an oscillatory motion of a knee raising and lowering through pivoting of an ankle of a user wherein a heel of a foot of the user lifts off a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system designed for exercising while sitting includes a rigid housing configured to receive at least one sensor to detect motion. The sensor is configured to identify an oscillatory motion of a knee raising and lowering through pivoting of an ankle of a user wherein a heel of a foot of the user lifts off of a surface and wherein a toe of the user remains planted on the surface. A mobile device in wireless communication with the motion sensor runs an application that provides a user with a multitude of features. The features include exercise statistics, energy spent, and steps taken. A further feature of the mobile device application is to provide a user with a virtual environment on the screen of the mobile device. Exercise performed by the user is translated into forward motion in the provided virtual environment.