Wearable Exercise Module for Posture and Body Fat Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing and correcting posture during sports or fitness exercises are inefficient due to subjective analysis and difficulty in observing small errors, and there is no quantitative way to determine suitable exercises for individual health goals.

Innovation Solution

A wearable module that senses physical attributes such as EMG, acceleration, and body fat signals, which are analyzed in real-time to provide feedback on posture correction and calorie expenditure, allowing for personalized exercise recommendations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If posture analysis is performed by video review or instructor observation, then the analysis can be conducted, but the measurement precision is insufficient and the analysis is subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture analysis precisionVSAvoidanalysis objectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method (video review and instructor observation) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Electromagnetic sensors detect muscle activity (EMG signals) and physical attributes objectively, eliminating the subjectivity and precision limitations of human-based posture analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic sensors as an intermediary between the subject's body and the analysis system. These sensors act as mediators that objectively detect physical attributes and transmit data to the analysis system, enabling precise and reliable posture measurement without direct human observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If no quantitative measurement method is used, then the exercise selection process is simple, but there is no way to quantitatively determine suitable exercises for individual health goals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise suitability quantificationVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that can assess multiple physical attributes (muscle strength, body fat, flexibility, etc.) using the same electromagnetic sensor platform. This multi-functional system enables quantitative evaluation of exercise suitability for various health goals without requiring separate specialized equipment for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures changes in physical parameters (muscle activity levels, body fat composition, flexibility metrics) before and after exercise interventions. By quantifying these parameter changes, the system objectively determines exercise suitability and effectiveness for individual health goals, transforming qualitative exercise selection into a quantitative science.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If wearable modules are used to sense physical attributes in real-time, then objective measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time physical attribute measurementVSAvoidwearable module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: electromagnetic sensors for detection, signal processing units for analysis, and communication interfaces for data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier implementation and maintenance while achieving real-time physical attribute measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (EMG measurement, body fat analysis, flexibility detection) into an integrated wearable module. By merging these functions into a single unified device, the system achieves comprehensive real-time measurement without requiring multiple separate equipment pieces, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 module enables objective analysis and correction of posture, measurement of body fat changes, and calorie expenditure, providing personalized exercise feedback to improve fitness and health goals effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The signal sensing unit may include at least a pair of electromyogram (EMG) measuring electrodes for measuring an EMG signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromyogram (EMG):

Implementation Method 2

a signal sensing unit installed in the pad to sense at least one type of physical attributes signal that changes according to motions of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

at least a pair of body fat measuring electrodes for measuring a body fat signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBody fat signal measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS8036849B2Module for measuring physical attributes linked to exercise, system for analyzing physical attributes linked to exercise and including the module, and method of applying the module
Publication Date: 2011.10.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8036849B2 patent drawing
  • US8036849B2 patent drawing
  • US8036849B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A module for measuring physical attributes linked to includes a pad that is attachable or wearable to the body of a person; a signal sensing unit installed on the pad to sense at least one type of physical attributes signal that changes according to motions of the body; and a transmitting unit transmitting the physical attributes signal sensed by the signal sensing unit. A system including the module and a method of applying the module is also provided.