Weightlifting Machine with Dynamic Motorized Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weightlifting machines lack the ability to provide dynamic resistance adjustment during exercises, requiring users to stop and manually adjust weights, limiting the ability to receive assistance throughout the concentric and eccentric portions of a lifting routine.
Innovation Solution
A weightlifting machine equipped with proximity sensors, a location sensor, and a system controller connected to a motor, allowing for real-time adjustment of resistance by activating or resisting the user's movement based on sensor data, enabling dynamic weight-adjustment assistance throughout the exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual weight adjustment is used in traditional weightlifting machines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring users to stop workouts and manually adjust weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance system adjustable during motion. The motorized mechanism dynamically changes the weight resistance during the lifting routine without requiring the user to stop, transforming a static weight system into a dynamic one that adapts to the user's needs in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic weight adjustment. The controller automatically adjusts the resistance based on pre-programmed parameters or real-time feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The machine serves itself by autonomously modifying its resistance levels during the workout.
2Ease of operation
If dynamic weight adjustment is implemented, then the ease of operation and productivity improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and motorized mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that monitor the user's position, speed, and effort throughout the lifting routine. This feedback is continuously sent to the controller, which automatically adjusts the resistance in response to the user's performance, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the user's needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical weight adjustment with an automated motorized system. Instead of requiring the user to physically change weight plates, an electric motor controlled by a microprocessor-based controller performs the adjustment, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical control.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a trainer provides assistance during lifting, then the duration of action and productivity improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine provides self-service by automatically providing assistance during the lifting routine through motorized resistance adjustment. The system detects when the user needs assistance based on sensors monitoring their performance and automatically adjusts the resistance to provide support, eliminating the need for a human trainer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensors to detect the user's effort level and automatically adjusts the resistance to provide assistance when needed. The controller continuously monitors the user's performance and modifies the resistance in response, creating an adaptive assistance system that extends the user's exercise capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A weightlifting machine includes a frame assembly having a plurality of pulleys that are connected to a user grip and plurality of weighted panels. A plurality of proximity sensors are positioned along the frame assembly and function to identify a specific number of weighed panels being lifted during an exercise routine. A location sensor is provided along the frame assembly and functions to identify the speed and distance at which the weighted panels move. A system controller is communicatively linked to each of the sensors, and a motor is connected to the cable and pulley assembly. The system controller includes functionality for selectively activating the motor to aid or resist the user in moving the weighted panels based upon the sensor information. The system controller further including a memory and communication unit for storing exercise information of the user.