Smart Flexible Exercise Weight with Gel Pellets and LED Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment, particularly free weights, lack functionality for tracking usage and providing real-time feedback on form and technique, especially for users exercising at home without personal trainers.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart flexible exercise weights with an elongate flexible housing and embedded elongate weights filled with pellets in a cured gel, equipped with electronics and LEDs for communication with smart mirrors, enabling real-time tracking and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional free weights are used, then the exercise equipment is simple and inexpensive, but it lacks functionality for tracking usage and providing real-time feedback on form and technique
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional free weights with smart electronics, sensors, and communication modules into a single integrated device. The weight includes embedded electronics assembly, LEDs, and antennas within its structure, merging the functions of weight provision, data collection, tracking, and feedback delivery into one unified system that maintains the familiar free weight form factor while adding advanced capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The smart free weight serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides resistance for exercise, tracks usage through embedded sensors, communicates workout data wirelessly, provides real-time form feedback via LEDs, and interfaces with smart mirrors. This multi-functionality transforms a single-purpose object into a versatile smart device that combines mechanical exercise equipment with digital tracking and feedback systems
2Loss of information
If smart mirrors are used for home exercise, then visual guidance is provided, but there is no real-time feedback on form and technique without a personal trainer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors in the free weight detect movement and form data, transmit this information wirelessly to a smart mirror or processing system, which then provides real-time visual feedback to the user. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic form correction and technique guidance without requiring a personal trainer, with the feedback delivered through the smart mirror interface
Solution Approach 2:
The smart mirror acts as an intermediary between the smart free weight and the user. The weight collects data through its sensors and transmits it to the smart mirror, which processes the information and presents it to the user in an understandable format. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the exercise equipment and the user, providing automated form and technique feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible weight that can be secured to a wearer during performance of an exercise. The weight is segmented, with each segment from a set of segments including an associated bolster-shaped unit having a plurality of pellets suspended in a cured gel, the pellets/gel being positioned within a casing. The set of segments is contained within an outer pouch that is substantially conformal with the set of segments, and the segments from the set of segments are arranged in a linear array. The weight also includes an endcap with a colored light indicator and electronics for communicating with a smart mirror.