Series Elastic Motorized Exercise Machine
AssigneeRethink Motion, Inc.
InventorsElliott Potter, Aaron Hulse
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure teaches a novel exercise apparatus. This apparatus does not generate load momentum. The apparatus is based around a series elastic torque sensor and contains an intelligent servo drive with reduction gear to control a variable speed rotating motor shaft. The combination of the motor, gear reducer, spring, angle measurement sensors (position sensors), and intelligent motor controller is a series elastic actuator which is the basis for the exercise device. The exercise device also contains a load transfer mechanism adopted to provide an interface between an individual and the torque sensor. The apparatus allows for isokinetic, isometric, isotonic, and variable force modes of exercise without hardware configuration.
Claims25
A motorized torque controllable exercise machine apparatus comprising:
- a) a load transfer mechanism in communication with a pulley or spool;
- b) a pulley or spool in communication with a torque sensor;
- c) a programmable motor controller;
- and
- d) a series elastic actuator.
A motorized torque controllable exercise machine apparatus comprising:
- a) a load transfer mechanism in communication with a series elastic torque sensor;
- b) the series elastic torque sensor in communication with
- (i) a shaft of a reducing gear and variable speed motor;
- (ii) at least one planar torsion spring position sensor in communication with a microprocessor;
- c) the microprocessor in communication with an intelligent servo drive;
- d) the servo drive in communication with the rotating variable speed motor;
- e) the shaft of the geared rotating variable speed motor attached in an input side of the series elastic torque sensor;
- and
- f) the microprocessor that controls a rotation of the shaft of the geared rotating variable speed motor.
The interface device of claim 21 in communication with the microprocessor.
A method of producing variable loads in response to force or speed of movement on a load transfer mechanism comprising the steps of:
- a) inputting a load into a load transfer mechanism;
- b) transferring the load to a series elastic torque sensor containing a torsion spring
- c) communicating a spring deflection torque signal to an intelligent motor controller;
- d) instructing movement of a motor by the intelligent motor controller;
- e) adjusting motor movement through a gear reducer;
- f) transferring force to the series elastic torque sensor;
- and
- g) transferring force to the load transfer mechanism,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.