Variable Resistance Exercise Apparel Using Mechanical Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resistance training methods, such as weightlifting and resistance bands, are limited in providing adjustable, quantifiable, and safe resistance specifically for targeted muscle groups, especially for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or muscle atrophy, as they often cause undesirable strain and do not allow for focused exercise on specific muscle groups.
Innovation Solution
A variable resistance exercise system comprising a brace, pulleys, mechanical dampers, and a computing device that adjusts resistance levels based on user data, providing speed-dependent and bi-directional resistance at a single joint, allowing for customizable and quantifiable workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistance bands are used for muscle training, then the training can be safer and allow longer duration, but the resistance is proportional to stretch amount which exerts undesirable strain on body joints or muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical damper system that provides variable resistance based on the speed of joint movement rather than the position or stretch amount. The damper creates a damping force that opposes the movement speed, allowing constant velocity control and reducing peak strain forces on joints while maintaining training effectiveness throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical damper changes the resistance parameter dynamically based on the velocity of movement. Instead of resistance increasing with stretch (as in elastic bands), the damper provides resistance proportional to the rate of change of position, creating a speed-dependent resistance profile that reduces harmful joint strain while maintaining muscle engagement.
2Reliability
If resistance bands are used for muscle training, then the training can be safer and allow longer duration, but the resistance provides only unidirectional resistance engaging either flexor or extensor muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance application by providing independent mechanical dampers for different joint movements. Each damper can be independently adjusted and engaged to provide resistance specific to particular muscle groups (flexors or extensors), allowing selective engagement of targeted muscle groups without the limitations of unidirectional resistance bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts resistance direction and magnitude based on the movement phase and muscle group being trained. The mechanical damper provides resistance in the direction opposite to the movement, allowing engagement of either flexor or extensor muscle groups depending on the exercise configuration, thereby achieving bidirectional resistance capability.
3Reliability
If resistance bands are used for muscle training, then the training can be safer and allow longer duration, but the resistance affects entire limb(s) across multiple joints which may not be appropriate for individuals with pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance system to provide localized resistance at specific joints through independently controllable mechanical dampers. This allows the resistance to be applied only at the affected joint or specific muscle group, leaving other joints and limbs unaffected, which is crucial for individuals with pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries who need targeted rehabilitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical damper system provides localized resistance quality at specific joints rather than affecting the entire limb. The resistance is concentrated at the point of application (joint or muscle group), allowing targeted training and rehabilitation without compromising other body parts, thereby making it suitable for individuals with specific injury conditions.
4Reliability
If resistance bands are used for muscle training, then the training can be safer and allow longer duration, but the resistance does not allow the user to exercise specific muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance application to allow independent targeting of specific muscle groups. By positioning mechanical dampers at different joints and configuring the pulley system, the resistance can be selectively applied to engage specific muscle groups (e.g., flexors or extensors of a particular joint) while leaving other muscle groups unengaged, enabling precise targeting for rehabilitation or training purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the resistance application to match the specific muscle group being trained. The mechanical damper provides speed-dependent resistance that can be configured to engage either flexor or extensor muscle groups based on the exercise setup, allowing the user to dynamically target specific muscle groups for focused training or rehabilitation.
5Reliability
If resistance bands are used for muscle training, then the training can be safer and allow longer duration, but the resistance cannot adjust or quantify the resistance force exerted on the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect movement parameters (position, velocity, acceleration) and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism allows the mechanical damper to adjust the resistance force in real-time based on the actual movement characteristics, and simultaneously quantifies the resistance force exerted on the body, providing precise measurement and control of training parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical resistance band system with a mechanically-assisted system that incorporates electronic sensing and control. The mechanical damper is complemented by sensors and control electronics that quantify the resistance force and enable precise adjustment, moving beyond the limitations of traditional mechanical resistance bands to achieve measurable and controllable resistance forces.
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
The system enhances muscle hypertrophy and safety by providing adjustable resistance levels, reducing strain on joints, and enabling focused training on specific muscle groups, making it suitable for rehabilitation and muscle strength training.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of mechanical dampers disposed about at least a portion of the plurality of pulleys. In this embodiment, the plurality of mechanical dampers may be configured to provide a damping coefficient upon the plurality of pulleys, automatically increasing a force required to translate the at least one belt about the plurality of pulleys
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pulleys configured to be temporarily affixed to the base; at least one belt in mechanical communication with the plurality of pulleys, such that the at least one belt may be configured to encompass the plurality of pulleys
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein relates to a variable resistance exercise system and method of providing resistance to a target muscle group at a predetermined joint of a user. The variable resistance exercise system may be configured to provide speed-dependent, bi-directional, and/or variable resistance at the predetermined joint. Accordingly, the variable resistance exercise system, may target the predetermined joint (e.g., an elbow) and/or provide resistance against the ability of the user to flex the targeted muscle group about the predetermined joint, optimizing the effectiveness and safety of resistance training, allowing the promotion of muscle hypertrophy of the user.