HK40082192A - Modular and dynamic force apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Dynamic motion resistance module

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.63/014,191 entitled "DYNAMIC RESISTANCE EXERCISE MODULE" filed on 23/4/2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate generally to modular dynamic force modules for varying unique dynamic forces during different forms of physical activity.

Background

The dynamic and varying forces used during physical activity may maximize efficiency and reduce injuries or strain as compared to static weights or specialized electromechanical exercise systems.

Some exercise machines utilize a resistance mechanism, such as U.S. Pat. No.6,440,044. However, U.S. Pat. No.6,440,044 is limited in the amount of resistance it can provide to the user. In addition, the resistance mechanism is based on a weight, rather than a force generated by the user. This makes it easier for the user to over-fatigue their muscles and makes the user more vulnerable to injury.

U.S. patent publication No.20030027696 teaches a cable machine having a weight stack attached to the cable. A pulley system is used which is limited in the range of motion that can be used and may cause the user to overly isolate a single muscle, resulting in injury.

Resistance bands such as us design patent No.750,716 may be attached to different instruments to provide various forces in different ranges of motion, however, resistance is limited depending on the mass of the band. Furthermore, the resistance generated using the belt is static throughout the body activity.

U.S. patent publication No.20080119763 teaches a system for acquiring, processing and reporting personal exercise data for a selected muscle group by measuring vector forces from at least one muscle or muscle group acting on a physical exercise machine. The system provides information to the user so that the user may make manual adjustments to the exercise apparatus.

U.S. patent publication No.20200151595 discloses processing sensor data to improve user training. The invention provides feedback and advice to the user to make form and manual resistance adjustments for subsequent training regimen modifications.

Us patent No.10,661,112 discloses using received information about the position of an actuator coupled to a cable coupled to a motor for digital strength training.

The prior art fails to provide a modular dynamic motion resistance module that analyzes real-time data to provide automatic real-time adjustment of force. The present invention improves the efficiency of physical activity, such as exercise, is more accurate and reduces user injuries and strain.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a system and method for improving the efficiency of physical activity.

The dynamic motion resistance module ("DMRM") and the method of generating the varying force are improvements over the prior art because the DMRM uses a variable torque force (e.g., DC motor, eddy current, friction clutch, or torsional sensor) that is converted to a linear force and controlled by a microprocessor, and the DMRM receives adjustments based on various sensors and calculated optimal forces. This allows a user to perform physical activities, such as exercise, based on his or her unique abilities that produce varying forces based on the amount of force that the user is able to apply. If the user's ability to apply force fluctuates in activity, the force may vary in a single repetition or in a set of exercises. DMRM is particularly helpful to users who recover from injury and who are aware of not overstraining muscles.

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein describe a module providing dynamic force control, which is electromechanically controlled in a closed-loop device (mechanical, electrical, software) that can vary the relative force experienced by a user and adapted to an individual based on various input variables during physical activity such as a training or therapeutic session. Input variables include repetition rate, recovery period, current physical activity configuration, daily goals, historical guidance, and AI adjustments. The input variable may be received from an associated mobile application on the user device or from a force module. The DMRM differs from other physical activity instruments, such as static olympic weight plates, because the DMRM is a modular system that uses variable torque forces to generate dynamic forces for the user in real time. Thus, the DMRM may be used as a replacement module for the static weight plate.

The DMRM optimizes the efficiency of each physical activity and force based on inputs from various one or more sensors and calculated adjustments to improve the physical activity of the user by adapting and adjusting the force. The sensors may include hall effect for positioning, strain gauges for force (e.g., force sensitive resistors, piezoelectric sensors, optical sensors, or torsion sensors), contact closure or proximity detection for safety interlocks or motor controllers.

The DMRM may be attached to a number of olympic barbells or standard barbells and dumbbell components or other exercise equipment to add dynamic force to other static masses.

The DMRM can be installed in a unique manner. The DMRM may be configured and used with static force routines having programmable force and hold times to accommodate daily physical activity or to add the same closed loop force adjustment elements to other exertion applications and treatments.

A modular and dynamic force apparatus for real-time adjustment of standard and dynamic torque to linear forces during physical activity, the apparatus comprising a force module, a user device and an apparatus tracking processing unit. The force module includes: an attachment point of an open hub, wherein the open hub attaches the device to an external source; one or more sensors that measure data regarding the efficiency of physical activity; an internal processor, radio and force sensor module; a variable length cable; a force generating component; and a motor controller. The internal processor, radio and force sensor module includes: an equipment tracking measurement unit ("ATMU") adapted to measure data; a first electronic communication channel for transmitting the measured data to a device tracking processing unit ("ATPU"); and a second electronic communication channel for transmitting one or more device condition data to adjust the dynamic force. The user device receives one or more pieces of equipment condition data via the second electronic communication channel to notify the user and/or make adjustments in real time. The user interface includes a display and an equipment tracking processing unit ("ATPU") that provide feedback. The ATPU includes a first electronic communication channel for receiving measurement data from the ATMU, a microprocessor, a memory storage area, a database stored in the memory storage area, and a trace processing module located in the memory storage area. The database stores a first set of evaluation rules and a second set of evaluation rules, the first set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more device conditions. The trace processing comprises program instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to: one or more tracking parameters are determined using the measurement data and a first set of evaluation rules, and one or more device condition data are determined using the one or more tracking parameters and a second set of evaluation rules.

Drawings

Various advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification and appended claims, and by referencing the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary DMRM configured to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present invention for use with a force device commonly found in a professional training room or home gym;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary internal view of a DMRM;

fig. 3a and 3b illustrate an exemplary use of a DMRM;

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate an exemplary use of the DMRM in exercising the bench;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM when a user pulls a variable force cable on the rowing machine;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM when a user pulls on the variable force cable;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM when a user pulls on the variable force cable during swimming;

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative use of DMRM for two interactive users;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative use of DMRM in pets;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM on a treadmill;

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM as a security module; and

fig. 12 illustrates an alternative use of the DMRM when a user pulls on the variable force cable.

Detailed Description

The unique modular functionality of the DMRM allows it to be attached to various traditionally used force instruments (e.g., barbells, racks, benches) and used in other physical activities. The DMRM includes a motor controller with a fully closed/feedback loop that is adjusted and completed in real time based on the user's dynamic or profiling response to the force being performed. This allows the user to utilize multiple muscle groups simultaneously in an almost unlimited number of physical activities and ranges of motion. The varying force is based on the applied user force and limits the possibility of injury. In addition, the present invention has a mass that is less equivalent than a conventional static weight plate, and thus, inadvertent dropping of the device on the toes or fingers may cause less injury to the user. Modularity, combined with novel means of replicating varying forces, and lighter weight, make the DMRM different from any other force instrument.

DMRM can be used for various types of physical activities. This includes exercise, boundary constraints, security modules, and two-person interaction activities.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a modular, self-contained dynamic motion resistance module 1. Although some of the exemplary embodiments described herein are customized for individual modules, the presently disclosed apparatus and methods are not limited to this configuration and may be used in other device environments using similar applications and methods. One or more modules may be mounted or anchored to the instrument being used.

As shown in fig. 1, the apparatus comprises an open hub 13, which open hub 13 is dimensioned to fit on different types of instruments, such as an olympic barbell or a standard barbell, and a dumbbell part. The outer housing 10 houses dynamic force components including a motor such as a DC motor, power supply, smart controller/wireless communication, sensors, embedded processor, and cable or spool 4. The module may also include a display. The cable or spool 4 of the DMRM 1 provides a connection point 5 to attach a hand grip, rod or fixation point for the user to use the attached module. The sensor may include: torsion sensors such as hall effect, strain gauge, safety interlock; and external physiological sensors such as heart rate, force, timing, training modality, calorie consumption, training repetition rate, and training history. The sensors are located within the force module, but the specific location may vary. The sensor may be located with an internal processor and radio module, or may be located separately within the force module. The sensor feedback may be audible, tactile, and/or haptic. The DMRM 1 is fitted to an inner rotating part 13, which inner rotating part 13 provides varying force to the belt or cable 4 in the linear direction 2, so that the user experiences varying force based on sensor control and calculated input to optimize the physical activity link. DMRM 1 also houses a placard and brand space 16.

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary illustration of the internal and internal force functions of the DMRM 1, illustrating the main components applied in delivering dynamic forces, including the linear force vector 2 generated by the internal rotational force 3 and the typical communication device 9 sending commands of varying force to the module. The torque to linear force is generated by a motor, gear, pulley or scroll power unit 6 powered by a power source 7, such as a battery or line power source. The force and communication are processed by an internal processor, radio and force sensor module 8, which internal processor, radio and force sensor module 8 serves as both an equipment tracking measurement unit ("ATMU") and a self-contained integrated DMRM (offline/manual mode) that alternately receives control commands from a commercially available external device 9, which external device 9 serves as an equipment tracking processing unit ("ATPU"). ATMU measures data of the device/module and transmits the measured data to ATPU using an electronic communication channel. The ATMU transmits one or more of the device condition data to the user interface using the second electronic communication channel to adjust the dynamic force. A local user interface on the device or related application is used to make adjustments to all force and physical activity configurations. The ATPU includes a microprocessor and a memory storage area. The memory storage area includes a database and a trace processing module. The trace processing module includes program instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, determine one or more trace parameters using the measured data and a set of evaluation rules, and determine device and/or module conditions measured by the ATMU using one or more of the trace parameters and another set of evaluation rules. The database stores each set of evaluation rules. At least one set of rules corresponds to one or more of personal tracking parameters such as number of repetitions per minute, total number of repetitions, calories consumed, and goals achieved, and another set of evaluation rules corresponds to one or more conditions of the device and/or module.

The embedded processor of module 1 monitors electronic motor control loops, sensor management, and wireless communications such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), wi-Fi, or cellular. The embedded processor provides local control and calculations and variables such as main power, timers, motor control configuration, start/stop, effectiveness and safety interlock status. The embedded processor may also provide the computed or raw data to the ATPU so that higher level computations can be performed at either boundary of the architecture. ATPU is a logical element that may be physically located within the DMRM or in the user interface. The ATPU transmits device conditions such as battery charge status, safety status, and system health. The optimized linear force is directed to the cable or belt 4. The cable or strap 4 includes an attachment point 5, such as a clip, eye hook, or other common or customized attachment point, to allow for various accessories and attachment options to the cable or strap 4. When a module is in an "offline" state, the module may be in a low power sleep mode or powered down.

Fig. 3a and 3b show embodiments of the DMRM 1 in practice when applying force and internal force functions. The resulting force vector 2 can be accommodated by an internal industry standard/universal barbell or dumbbell bar 30 or other universal hub adapter for the module connection/installation. The band or cable 4 and the attachment point 5 are in a linear direction so that the user experiences varying forces based on the sensors and calculated inputs to optimize the physical activity link. The DMRM 1 includes various safety mechanisms such as cable safety stops (cut-off switches), anchor points (foot anchors 18 in fig. 3a or ground anchors 17 in fig. 3 b), and/or hardware/software control and feedback loops (sensors, electronics, software) for real-time closed-loop control and dynamic force application. The foot anchor 18 counteracts the applied force to obtain a dynamic free-weight experience.

Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c show DMRM 1 used with a lift bench 40. The DMRM 1 is mounted on the rod 30. The user is able to perform various exercises with different ranges of force vectors 2. Fig. 5 shows the use of DMRM 1 on a rowing machine 50. The user interface 9 may be part of the rowing machine or may be a separate user interface, such as a smart phone. Two DMRM 1 are attached to the rowing machine 50, however the number of modules attached to the implement may be one or more. The user pulls the cable 4 while rowing on the rowing machine 50 and receives real-time feedback and the tactile sensation of actually rowing in water.

Fig. 6, 7, 8 and 9 show exemplary illustrations of other uses of the DMRM 1. In addition to mounting the DMRM to a conventional exercise machine, a static weight plate 14 may be added, as seen in FIG. 6. The DMRM 1 may be mounted in other ways, for example, the DMRM 1 may be mounted to one or more anchor points 70 on the load bearing structure, and then the DMRM 1 is attached to the swimmer's harness 15 to adjust or measure the dynamic body activity force while swimming (fig. 7). As can be seen in fig. 8, DMRM 1 may also be used for two-person interactive exercise or therapeutic activities. For example, one user holds barbell 80 with two modules installed, while the other user attaches barbell (or other form of instrument) 85 to belt or cable 4 via attachment points 5. For example, as shown in fig. 9, another example attaches the DMRM 1 to an animal or pet via a safety belt or strap 12. DMRM 1 provides free movement for the animal unless the animal reaches the user-defined boundary. When the set boundary 92 is reached; the dynamically applied force begins to apply a resistance, resulting in a complete stop (e.g., hold or lock mode) at a controlled length and containment.

Fig. 10, 11 and 12 provide other alternative uses for DMRM 1. Fig. 10 shows the DMRM 1 attached to the treadmill 100 at the attachment point 102 and the cable or belt 4 attached to the user's waist through a harness or other connection point 104, thereby keeping the runner perfectly centered on the treadmill 100. For example in fig. 11, DMRM 1 may also be used as a safety brake module that is attached to the user at an attachment point 110, such as a safety belt, to provide free movement to the user (human or animal). If stray forces are detected or when they are detected, such as a fall or trip, the device will hold or lock, securing the user. Fig. 12 illustrates the use of a sprint or skater, wherein the DMRM 1 is attached to the user during training by a harness or other connection point 19. The device senses and controls the force applied to the user. Further, the module may also be configured and used for static force routines with programmable force and hold times to adapt to daily physical activity or to add the same closed loop force adjustment elements to other exertion applications and treatments.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (18)

1. A modular and dynamic force apparatus for real-time adjustment of standard and dynamic torque to linear force during physical activity, the apparatus comprising:

a force module, the force module comprising:

an attachment point of an open hub, wherein the open hub attaches the device to an external source;

one or more sensors that measure data regarding the efficiency of physical activity;

an internal processor, radio and force sensor module, wherein the internal processor, radio and force sensor module comprises:

an equipment tracking measurement unit ("ATMU") adapted to measure data;

a first electronic communication channel for transmitting measurement data to an equipment tracking processing unit ("ATPU"); and

a second electronic communication channel for transmitting one or more device condition data to adjust a dynamic force;

a variable length cable;

a force generating component; and

a motor controller;

a user device that receives the one or more device condition data over the second electronic communication channel to notify a user and/or make adjustments in real time, a user interface including a display and providing feedback; and

the device tracking processing unit ("ATPU"), wherein the ATPU includes:

the first electronic communication channel to receive the measurement data from the ATMU;

a microprocessor;

a memory storage area;

a database stored in the memory store, wherein the database stores a first set of evaluation rules and a second set of evaluation rules, the first set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules corresponding to the one or more device conditions;

a trace processing module located in the memory storage area, the trace processing module comprising program instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to:

determining the one or more tracking parameters using the measurement data and the first set of evaluation rules, an

Determining the one or more device condition data using the one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the force applied to the variable length cable, the motor controller, and the delivered force are dynamically adjusted based on sensor data and input variables calculated by the ATMU.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment points of the open hub are used for installation, wherein the inner diameter of the attachment points of the open hub are sized to fit a standard barbell bar or a standard dumbbell bar.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the regulated dynamic force is powered by an internal and self-contained power source.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor provides feedback.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sensor is: a hall effect/encoder for tracking and positioning; force sensitive resistors, load cells, torsion sensors or device current consumption for force calculation; and a mechanical and electrical safety stop, wherein sensor feedback is used to send drive/resistance commands to the ATMU to perfect physical activity or send information maturation data to the ATPU for additional processing and analysis.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusted dynamic force applied by the force module is obtained from information received from the user device, wherein the user device is a smartphone application or a personal area network device.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more external sensors, wherein the external sensors sense heart rate, force, timing, training modality, calorie consumption, training repetition rate, or training history, and are used by the ATPU to perform calculations.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment points of the open hub are used for installation, wherein the inner diameter or profile of the attachment points of the open hub are sized to fit an attachment anchor.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the power source is rechargeable.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ATPU is located in the force module.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ATPU is located in the user device.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment point of the open hub mounts an anchor point to secure the force module, wherein the force module is also connected to a person at a connection point.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the person is a runner, the apparatus sensing and controlling dynamic forces exerted on the runner.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment points of the open hub are fitted with anchor points to secure the force module, wherein the force module is further connected to an animal via connection points, the apparatus exerting dynamic force and resistance when the animal reaches a user-set boundary.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a security module that allows free movement of the animal or human until stray forces are detected, wherein the device becomes locked when the stray forces are detected.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for two-person interactive activities, wherein a first person is connected to the force module via the attachment point of the open hub and a second person is connected to the variable length cable via the attachment point.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment anchor attaches the force module to an exercise machine.