Training Device Resistance Control via Electrical Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing training devices, particularly weight-lifting machines, cannot accommodate fast movements due to weight instability, and lack the ability to accurately measure time-dependent muscle force, which is crucial for elite athletes and rehabilitation purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that control a movable resistance element using a power conversion device, such as an electrical engine, to instantly respond to user-applied force, allowing for fast movements and precise measurement of force, acceleration, and power generation, by generating a reference signal based on the muscular force and a mathematical model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If weights are used in a weight-lifting machine, then resistance can be provided, but fast movements cannot be performed because the weights would jump and damage the machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement speedVSAvoidmachine safety

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight system with an electrical engine system. The electrical engine generates resistance force through electromagnetic fields rather than physical weights, allowing instantaneous response to user force without the inertia and instability problems of mechanical weights. This substitution enables fast movements while maintaining machine safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power conversion device (electrical engine) as an intermediary between the user and the resistance element. This intermediary converts electrical energy to mechanical force, providing controlled resistance that responds instantly to user input without the limitations of direct mechanical weight systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If weights are added or removed at turning points to vary resistance, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but it takes a long time to change weights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidweight change time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resistance adjustment through the electrical engine, which can continuously vary the resistance level during exercise without interruption. The engine responds in real-time to user force and position signals, eliminating the need to stop and physically change weights at turning points, thus maintaining training continuity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical weight changing process with an electrical control system. The power conversion device adjusts resistance electronically through feedback control based on measured user force and position, eliminating the time-consuming manual weight exchange process entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If sampling is performed at fixed time intervals to control resistance, then the system is simple, but it takes time for resistance to build up and cannot handle fast accelerations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback control where the electrical engine's resistance output is continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of user force and position. This closed-loop feedback system allows instantaneous response to changes in user effort, enabling fast accelerations while maintaining simple control logic through proportional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent calculates the desired resistance force in advance based on the measured user force and position, allowing the electrical engine to be ready to provide the exact required resistance immediately when the user applies force, eliminating the delay associated with fixed-interval sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effective strength improvement through fast movement training, provides accurate and easy measurement of performance, and ensures user safety by preventing weight instability and damage, while allowing for variable resistance levels and real-time feedback.

Implementation Method 1

A device is disclosed for controlling a movable resistance element of a training device... by controlling a power conversion device based on the reference signal, the power conversion device being coupled to and controlling the movable resistance element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8360935B2Method, a computer program, and device for controlling a movable resistance element in a training device

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 SENSYACT

AI summary

A method for controlling a movable resistance element belonging to a training device. The resistance element is influenced by a user with a muscular force. A device is adapted to generate a reference signal for controlling a power conversion device coupled to and controlling a movable resistance element belonging to a training device, and which is influenced by a user with a muscular force. A computer program for carrying out the method and a use of the device.