Sensor Alignment Arm for Anchored Resistance Exercise Tether
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance exercise systems do not effectively gather data on exercise performance, and previous solutions involve complex sensor arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An exercise system comprising an anchor, extendible tethers, two-element sensors, and sensor alignment arms that maintain longitudinal alignment between sensor elements, allowing for detection of tether movement and providing data on exercise performance through a wireless transmitter or external computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor arrangement is added to detect exercise performance, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate elements: a first sensor element carried by the sensor alignment arm and a second sensor element carried by the extendible tether. This segmentation allows each element to be positioned independently while maintaining measurement capability, reducing the complexity of mounting a single complex sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor alignment arm acts as an intermediary component that connects the anchor to the first sensor element while maintaining alignment. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall sensor arrangement by providing a dedicated mechanism for sensor positioning and alignment, rather than integrating alignment functionality into the sensor itself.
2Measurement precision
If sensor elements are positioned to detect tether movement, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor alignment arm is designed to be movable relative to the anchor, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as the extendible tether moves between extended and retracted configurations. This dynamic adjustment maintains longitudinal alignment between the sensor elements throughout the range of motion, making the system easier to operate without requiring precise static alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor alignment mechanism provides continuous feedback through the movable connection between the sensor alignment arm and the anchor, automatically maintaining alignment as the tether configuration changes. This self-adjusting feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual realignment operations.
3Device complexity
If the sensor system is made more compact, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor alignment arm serves multiple functions: it positions the first sensor element, maintains longitudinal alignment between sensor elements, and accommodates the movement of the extendible tether. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating several requirements into a single component rather than requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise system comprises an anchor and at least one extendible tether extending from a mooring on the anchor to a grip end. Each extendible tether is longitudinally movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. At least one sensor alignment arm is movably coupled to the anchor, and a sensor is associated with each sensor alignment arm and extendible tether. The sensor alignment arm carries a first sensor element and the extendible tether carries a second sensor element. Each extendible tether is longitudinally movable relative to its sensor alignment arm and angular movement of the extendible tether relative to the anchor moves the sensor alignment arm to maintain longitudinal alignment between the first sensor element and the second sensor element. The sensor detects movement of the second sensor element past the first sensor element as the extendible tether moves between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.