Weight Pin Tag Reader for Exercise Data Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weight machines lack a convenient method for users to track and record their progress during exercise sessions, relying on memory or manual notebooks, and incorporating load cells for weight tracking is costly and requires periodic calibration.
Innovation Solution
A weight pin with a tag reader and motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, that reads information from tags on weight plates, allowing users to track weight selection and exercise data without modifying the machine, and communicates data to a server for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are incorporated into weight pins for tracking exercise data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical load cell system with an electronic tag reading system. Instead of using mechanical sensors embedded in the weight pin to measure force, the system uses a tag reader to optically or electronically read weight information from tags attached to weight plates, substituting mechanical measurement with electronic data retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tags as intermediary carriers of weight information. Rather than having the weight pin directly measure weight through load cells, the tag acts as an intermediary that stores and transmits weight data to the reader, simplifying the measurement system
2Measurement precision
If load cells are used for weight tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to periodic calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tag system is self-service in that the weight information is pre-encoded on the tags during manufacturing. The system does not require external calibration or adjustment - the tags inherently contain accurate weight data that the reader simply retrieves, eliminating the calibration maintenance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The weight information is pre-loaded onto the tags during manufacturing before the weights are ever used. This preliminary action of encoding weight data on the tags eliminates the need for subsequent calibration operations, as the system starts with pre-configured accurate data
3Ease of manufacture
If manual notebook recording is used to track exercise progress, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of information increases due to reliance on memory and manual recording
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by reading tag information and recording exercise data without requiring user intervention. The reader automatically captures weight selection and repetition information, eliminating the information loss associated with manual memory-based tracking while keeping the system simple to implement
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an automatic digital copy of the exercise performance data by reading the tag information. Instead of relying on manual transcription or memory, the system automatically copies the weight and repetition data from the physical tags to a digital record, preventing information loss
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 convenient and accurate tracking of exercise data without mechanical modifications to the weight machine, reducing costs and eliminating the need for periodic calibration, allowing users to monitor their progress effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A weight pin with a tag reader and motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, that reads information from tags on weight plates
Implementation Method 2
A weight pin with a tag reader and motion sensor, such as an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A weight pin for use with a stacked weight exercise machine includes a handle portion, and a shaft portion extending outwardly from the handle portion. The shaft portion is configured to be removably positioned adjacent to one or more weights of the exercise machine to selectively engage the one or more weights during use of the exercise machine. The weight pin also includes interrogation circuitry arranged relative to the handle portion, the interrogation circuitry configured to read information from the adjacent one or more weights.