Patent Application
20120053014
Not applicable.
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A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates generally to fitness equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to an intelligent weight training resistance system.
The present invention relates to weight training systems. Most current fitness weight training devices rely on weight stacks or spring loading systems to provide resistance to a user. Weight stack devices are typically heavy and massive because the devices consist of actual weighted elements to provide resistance. There are known methods to reduce the actual amount of weight in the weight stacks by using pulley systems; however, pulley systems decrease the resolution of the weight selection. Furthermore, it is easy to get injured when using these systems. For example, if a user is trying to push up weight that is greater than his limit, as the weight is released it may pull the user's muscle.
Spring loading types of systems are lighter than the weight stack systems; however, they tend to occupy a large amount of space to enable the spring loading rods to swing. Also spring loading systems cannot provide linear resistance throughout the range of motion. This greatly reduces the positive effect on the user during training. Another problem with spring loading systems is that over a period of time the system ages and may no longer provide the indicted weight. Thus, the user may receive false training information, which leads to bad exercise.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing a fitness weight training system that is lightweight, offers a small footprint, offers user definable resistance profiles, and offers injury protection functions.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus and system for a resistance training system is presented.
In one embodiment an apparatus includes an output shaft, means for exerting torque on the output shaft, means for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of the output shaft, means for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion, means for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element, and means, in communication with the exerting means and the sensing means, for controlling the exerting means to exert a predetermined torque during motion of the joining means in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system. Another embodiment further includes means for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to the predetermined torque. Yet another embodiment further includes means for mitigating vibration. Still another embodiment further includes means for supporting the output shaft. Another embodiment further includes comprising means for enabling the joining means to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to the converting means.
In another embodiment an apparatus includes an electrically controlled motor comprising an output shaft, at least one winding and a rotor for exerting torque on the output shaft. An encoder senses and outputs a rotational position of the output shaft. A pulley is joined to the output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion. A cable is joined to the pulley where at least a portion of the cable is wound about the pulley. The cable is configured for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element. A controller is in communication with the electrically controlled motor and the encoder for controlling the electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during motion of the cable in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system. Another embodiment further includes a user interface for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to the predetermined torque. Yet another embodiment further includes a flex coupling joining the pulley to the output shaft for mitigating vibration. Still another embodiment further includes at least one grounded bearing for supporting the output shaft. Another embodiment further includes a first pair of parallel rollers having a first space between the rollers, and a second pair of parallel rollers having a second space between the rollers. The second pair of parallel rollers is positioned perpendicular to the first pair of parallel rollers where an intersection of the first space and the second space produces a third space through which the cable passes for enabling the cable to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to the pulley. In yet another embodiment the controller communicates an electrical current profile to the electrically controlled motor for electrically controlled motor to exert the predetermined torque. In still another embodiment the electrical current profile is at least, in part, determined by the rotor position relative to the winding and a level of current applied to the electrically controlled motor. In other embodiments the current profile represents a type of the force element, and types of the force element comprise linear and non-linear forces.
In another embodiment a system includes an output shaft, means for exerting torque on the output shaft, means for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of the output shaft, means for transferring a force element to a user engaging in resistance training using the system, and means, in communication with the exerting means and the sensing means, for controlling exerting means to exert a predetermined torque during user operation of the system for resistance training. Another embodiment further includes means for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion, and means for joining the transferring means to the output shaft. Yet another embodiment further includes means for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to the predetermined torque. Still another embodiment further includes means for mitigating vibration. Another embodiment further includes means for enabling the joining means to be pulled in a plurality of directions.
In another embodiment a system includes an output shaft. An electrically controlled motor exerts torque on the output shaft. An encoder senses and outputs a rotational position of the output shaft. A handle is joined to the output shaft for transferring a force element to a user engaging in resistance training using the system. A controller is in communication with the electrically controlled motor and the encoder for controlling the electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during user operation of the system for resistance training. Another embodiment further includes a pulley joined to the output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion, and a cable joined to the pulley, the pulley and the cable being configured for joining the handle to the output shaft. Yet another embodiment further a user interface for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to the predetermined torque. Still another embodiment further includes a flex coupling joining the pulley to the output shaft for mitigating vibration. Another embodiment further includes a first pair of parallel rollers having a first space between the rollers, and a second pair of parallel rollers having a second space between the rollers. The second pair of parallel rollers is positioned perpendicular to the first pair of parallel rollers where an intersection of the first space and the second space produces a third space through which the cable passes for enabling the cable to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to the pulley. In yet another embodiment the controller communicates an electrical current profile to the electrically controlled motor for the predetermined torque. In still another embodiment the electrical current profile represents a type of the force element. In another embodiment types of the force element comprise linear and non-linear forces. In yet another embodiment the user interface displays to the user an amount of calories burned by the user. In still another embodiment absent a user applied force to the handle, the controller stops the electrically controlled motor. In another embodiment a rotational speed of the electrically controlled motor above a predetermined level initiates a modification of the electrical current profile to mitigate user injury.
Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.
As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.
At least some preferred embodiments of the present invention provide resistance training systems that incorporate the use of motors. At least some preferred embodiments are smaller than current systems and can provide multiple modes in weight training to be suitable for different users. Some embodiments may be implemented to be incorporated into current fitness equipment to enable this equipment to be smaller, lighter and more intelligent. At least some preferred embodiments enable a user to make a weight change on the fly, which can reduce injuries as well as increase the effectiveness of the training. At least some preferred embodiments reduce the chance of injury and provide better training to people who have little knowledge of fitness training to generally eliminate the need of a personal trainer, which reduces overall training cost and increases the effectiveness of the fitness training. At least some preferred embodiments may be implemented for home and commercial use as well as for professional athletes. At least some preferred embodiments may also be used in medical applications for the rehabilitation of muscle strength and for various bone linkages problems.
In the present embodiment, a cable 111 is attached to pulley 105. Cable 111 winds around pulley 105, and a handle 113 is provided to enable a user to more easily pull cable 111; however, handle 113 may be omitted. When the user pulls cable 111, pulley 105 and pulley shaft 109 rotate, which causes motor shaft 103 to rotate, thus transferring the linear motion of cable 111 into a rotary motion, and when motor 101 rotates, cable 111 is wound around or unwound from pulley 105, and thus translates the rotary motion of motor shaft 105 into the linear motion of cable 111. An encoder 115 is attached to the back of motor 101, which senses the position of motor shaft 103. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable types of encoders exist that may be used in the present embodiment including, but not limited to, magnetic encoders, resolver encoders, optical encoders, Hall sensors, or any type of device that can provide the information of the position motor shaft 103. The encoder does not have to be mounted on the back of motor, it can be placed on the drum where the cable attached to or even use linear encoder instead. A purpose of the encoder device is to tell the controller the current position of the motor rotor and thus command the motor magnetic field to the proper position. So any other device that will give the position of the rotor directly or indirectly could be used for this application as well. In alternate embodiments, a servo closed loop control can be used to achieve the same function. In the present embodiment, when the user pulls cable 111, the movement is sensed by encoder 115 and fed back to a controller 117. Controller 117 then commands motor shaft 105 to move to the proper position and motor 101 to adjust the current of an electromagnetic coil within motor 101 to maintain the proper torque, which was previously set by the user. Per
In typical use of the present embodiment, a user enters the weight or torque at which he would like to train into user interface 119. In some embodiments the user may also enter other settings such as, but not limited to, number of repetitions, time settings, etc. If the user has entered a number of repetitions or time duration, interface 119, in conjunction with controller 117, will start increase current of motor 101 to the set value at the beginning of the session, and lower the current of motor 101 to idle value at the end of the repetitions or time. In some other embodiments, interface 119 may include audio and/or visual indicators to inform the user when to start the session and when the session is over. In some embodiments the user may stop at any time and reset the parameter of the session. Once the user has entered the parameter for the session, and the system indicates it is ready, the user then pulls on handle 113, and motor 101 outputs the torque or weight entered to provide the desired resistance for training. Controller 117 controls motor 101 using position feedback from encoder 115 to determine the current position of motor shaft 103. Based on the current position of motor shaft 103, controller 117 adjusts a winding coil current phase position to create a lag related to the position of motor shaft 103, which creates friction force or pull force on cable 111. Once motor shaft 103 is moved from its original position by the user via cable 111, encoder 115 reads the current position of motor shaft 103 and sends this information to controller 117. Controller 117 then commands the driver of motor 101 to adjust the coil current Ia, Ib, thus move the magnetic field of the winding in order to keep the winding position lagging to the current rotor position. This enables a constant torque to be created by motor 101 so that, no matter where motor shaft 103 is positioned, there is always a force being applied to cable 111.
In the present embodiment, motor 101 enables the user to vary the resistance and force through the adjustment of the relative position of motor shaft 103 compared to the position of the magnetic field of the coil or by changing the winding current level. per
In the present embodiment, the current profile generated by controller 117 can be modified to imitate the feel of a spring type of device or to imitate the feel of lifting an actual weight. To imitate the feeling of a spring type of device, the force or torque output of motor 101 can be set to change linearly according to the distance that handle 113 travels from its original position. To imitate the feeling of lifting an actual weight, the force is modified based on the acceleration of handle 113. Based on the input of encoder 115, controller 117 can calculated the speed and acceleration of handle 113, and based on Newton second Law, the force required to make this change in velocity can be calculated. This force is then factored into the force output by motor 101 to imitate the feeling of inertia.
The present embodiment may also calculate the calories that have been consumed by the user. This calculation is based on the speed, force, and distance of the cable that is traveled. The number of calories burned is preferably displayed on user interface 119. Alternate embodiments may be implemented without a calorie-counting feature. The present embodiment also includes an emergency stop or force cutback feature that activates when the speed of motor shaft 103 is too fast. Encoder 115 can feedback the current position of pulley 111, and based on this, controller 117 can calculate the speed of motor shaft 103. If the speed is too fast, controller 117 can either lower the current, thus lowering the torque, or stop motor 101 immediately. This feature provides injury protection to the user by generally preventing the user from pulling or releasing handle 113 too fast, which may cause the user to pull a muscle. Alternate embodiments may not include this feature.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that the configuration of the resistance training system may vary widely in alternate embodiments. For example, without limitation, the pulley may be located in various different locations, multiple pulleys may be used, different types of mechanisms such as, but not limited to, gears, belts, levers, and chains may be used, etc.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a resistance training system according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the system may vary depending upon the particular type of exercise being performed. The systems described in the foregoing were directed to single handle or lever implementations for use with exercises involving only one arm, leg or other part of the body; however, similar techniques are to provide systems with multiple handles or levers to enable a user to pull or push with multiple parts of the body at once for example, without limitation, using both arms in a rowing motion. In these implementations the multiple handles or levers may all be controlled by the same motor or may each be controlled by a separate motor. Multiple handle or lever implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.
