Smart Grip Force Sensors for Workout Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strength training tracking methods require detailed information about the equipment's mass, static and dynamic forces, and moments of inertia, which can be unknown or variable, making it difficult to accurately measure workout progress, especially with poorly characterized equipment or when using the body as resistance.
Innovation Solution
The use of smart grips equipped with force and torque sensors that measure forces and torques directly, eliminating the need for information about the mass and moments of inertia of the equipment, allowing for accurate calculation of user effort and workout metrics across a wide range of exercises and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional strength training tracking methods are used, then equipment characteristics (mass, moments of inertia) are required for accurate measurement, but these parameters are often unknown or variable making tracking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems that require knowledge of equipment mass and moments of inertia with sensor-based direct measurement systems. Force sensors and torque sensors directly measure the forces and torques applied during exercise, eliminating the need to calculate these values from equipment characteristics. This substitution allows accurate tracking without requiring detailed equipment characterization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors and torque sensors are used, then accurate workout tracking is achieved without needing equipment mass or moments of inertia, but sensor integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart grip device is designed to be universally compatible with various strength training equipment (dumbbells, barbells, cable machines) by integrating force and torque sensors that can measure different exercise types. The device performs multiple functions including force measurement, torque measurement, workout tracking, and equipment characterization, making it adaptable to diverse training scenarios without requiring equipment-specific configurations.
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 accurate tracking of workout progress and calculation of mechanical work, energy, and calorie expenditure independently of the equipment's characteristics, providing real-time feedback and compatibility with various strength training equipment and exercises.
Implementation Method 1
smart grip embodiments incorporate one or more force and torque sensors
Implementation Method 2
smart grip embodiments incorporate one or more force and torque sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A strength training grip device including at least two joined segments, the joined segments dimensioned to at least partially surround a handlebar of a weight training equipment. Each segment includes an inner surface and at least one force sensor disposed across the inner surface, the at least one force sensor to measure force in at least one direction.