Motor-Controlled Strength Training for Custom Tension Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional strength training methods struggle to efficiently and safely implement asymmetric protocols, as physical weights cannot spontaneously change, making it challenging to achieve optimal muscle tension and effectively target tendons, and each user's muscle-tension curve varies due to individual differences.

Innovation Solution

A digital strength trainer using a motor controlled by a filter and sensors to dynamically adjust torque, allowing for arbitrary applied tension curves, including concentric, eccentric, and isometric movements, and accommodating individual muscle-tension variations through electronic control of resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical weights are used for strength training, then the training equipment is simple and reliable, but the weights cannot dynamically adjust to match individual muscle-tension curves or implement asymmetric protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to adjust resistance to match individual muscle-tension profilesVSAvoidcomplexity of dynamic torque adjustment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight systems with an electronically controlled motor system. The motor is controlled by a filter that processes sensor signals to dynamically adjust torque output, enabling the system to match individual muscle-tension curves and implement asymmetric protocols without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static physical weights to a dynamic motor-controlled resistance system. The motor continuously adjusts torque in real-time based on sensor feedback and filter processing, allowing the resistance to adapt to the user's specific muscle-tension profile throughout the range of motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional weight training is used, then the equipment is simple, but it cannot safely implement asymmetric protocols or dynamically adjust torque to optimize muscle tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of strength training protocol implementationVSAvoidlevel of electronic control and sensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the user's muscle tension and position, feeding this information back to the control system. The filter processes this feedback to dynamically adjust motor torque, ensuring safe and effective implementation of asymmetric protocols while maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical weight systems are replaced with an automated electronic control system comprising sensors, a filter, and a motor. This automated system safely implements asymmetric protocols by continuously adjusting torque based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for manual weight adjustment and reducing injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical weights are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but each user's individual muscle-tension variations cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization to individual muscle-tension curvesVSAvoidnumber of different weight options needed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple physical weight options, the system changes the torque parameter dynamically through electronic control. The motor, controlled by a filter that processes sensor feedback, adjusts the resistance parameter in real-time to match each user's individual muscle-tension curve, eliminating the need for multiple weight options while achieving full customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient, safe, and customizable strength training by dynamically adjusting resistance to match individual muscle-tension profiles, effectively targeting muscles and tendons, and allowing for continuous adjustment of tension curves in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

a motor controlled by a filter and sensors to dynamically adjust torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

sensors to dynamically adjust torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12076601B2Digital strength training

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 TONAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.