Interactive apparatus and methods for muscle strengthening
First Claim
1. An interactive exercise system to optimize muscle strength by dynamically controlling resistance based on the muscular force exerted by a user, the system comprising:
- a user engagement point where the user can apply a force upon or resist against;
a movement arm connected to the user engagement point;
a user sensor to measure the force applied by the user to the user engagement point and for producing a corresponding signal;
an adaptive actuator including an electronically controlled motor, a linear drive mechanism, and an actuator sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, and duration;
a mechanical linkage coupling the movement arm to the adaptive actuator for generating resistance against the user engagement point;
a user interface permitting the user to interact with the system including selection of operating modes and related parameters;
a display for presenting a representation of the exercise being performed; and
a control system including electrical architecture for processing data, the control system monitoring the user sensor and the actuator sensor and commanding the motor to adjust a desired position, torque, and velocity of the adaptive actuator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive exercise system with apparatus and methods to optimize muscle strength for rehabilitation, to improve or maintain fitness, and to enhance the performance of athletes. The system uses an electronically controlled linear actuator to generate resistance against the muscular force exerted by the user. The system includes sensors configured to detect acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, duration, and the force applied by the user. A control system preferably continuously monitors the sensors, and instantaneously adjusts the adaptive actuator. This provides a proportional counterforce to the user force throughout the entire range-of-motion. A display panel allows the user to interact with the system in real-time. The objective of the user is to synchronize the exercise performance with a selected target goal, by correlating the user'"'"'s movement relative to a position on a display panel.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An interactive exercise system to optimize muscle strength by dynamically controlling resistance based on the muscular force exerted by a user, the system comprising:
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a user engagement point where the user can apply a force upon or resist against; a movement arm connected to the user engagement point; a user sensor to measure the force applied by the user to the user engagement point and for producing a corresponding signal; an adaptive actuator including an electronically controlled motor, a linear drive mechanism, and an actuator sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, and duration; a mechanical linkage coupling the movement arm to the adaptive actuator for generating resistance against the user engagement point; a user interface permitting the user to interact with the system including selection of operating modes and related parameters; a display for presenting a representation of the exercise being performed; and a control system including electrical architecture for processing data, the control system monitoring the user sensor and the actuator sensor and commanding the motor to adjust a desired position, torque, and velocity of the adaptive actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An interactive exercise system to optimize muscle strength by dynamically controlling resistance based on the muscular force exerted by a user, the system comprising:
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a user sensor to measure the force applied by the user to a user engagement point and for producing a corresponding signal; an adaptive actuator for generating resistance against the user, the adaptive actuator including an electronically controlled motor, a linear drive mechanism, an actuator sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, and duration, and a carriage assembly with springs to smooth motion and compensate for dynamic changes at the turnaround points of an exercise performance, the actuator sensor being further configured to measure the force applied by the user to the user engagement point based on spring compression of the carriage assembly and to produce a corresponding signal; a user interface permitting the user to interact with the system including selection of operating modes and related parameters that define targets of the system which continuously change throughout the exercise performance; a display for presenting a representation of the exercise being performed; and a control system including electrical architecture for acquiring, processing, and transmitting data, the control system monitoring the user sensor and the actuator sensor and commanding the motor to adjust a desired acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, duration, and torque of the adaptive actuator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An interactive exercise system to optimize muscle strength by dynamically controlling resistance based on the muscular force exerted by a user, the system comprising:
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a user engagement point where the user can apply a force upon or resist against; a user sensor to measure the force applied by the user to the user engagement point and for producing a corresponding signal; an adaptive actuator including an electronically controlled motor, a linear drive mechanism, and an actuator sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, and duration; a cable pulley mechanism coupling the user engagement point to the adaptive actuator for generating resistance against the user; a user interface permitting the user to interact with the system including selection of operating modes and related parameters; a display for presenting a representation of the exercise being performed; and a control system including electrical architecture for processing data, the control system monitoring the user sensor and the actuator sensor and commanding the motor to adjust a desired position, torque, and velocity of the adaptive actuator. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification