Exercise machine with a safety device

Abstract

An exercise machine includes a frame, an exercise module, a driving element, a control module and a strain-detecting module. The frame includes a base and at least three pads attached to a lower face of the base. The exercise module and the driving element are supported on the base and operatively connected to each other. The control module is supported on the frame and electrically connected to the driving element. The strain-detecting module includes a deformation-vulnerable plate connected to one of the pads and a strain gauge attached to the deformation-vulnerable plate to allow the strain gauge to detect a value of deformation of the deformation-vulnerable plate. The strain gauge sends the value of deformation to the control module. The control module stops the driving element to stop the exercise module when the value of deformation irregularly changes in a short period of time.

1 . An exercise machine comprising:
 a frame comprising a base and at least three pads attached to a lower face of the base;   an exercise module supported on the frame;   a driving element supported on the base and operatively connected to the exercise module;   a control module supported on the frame and electrically connected to the driving element; and   a strain-detecting module comprising:
 a deformation-vulnerable plate connected to one of the pads at an end; and 
 a strain gauge connected to the deformation-vulnerable plate to allow the strain gauge to detect a value of deformation of the deformation-vulnerable plate, wherein the strain gauge is electrically connected to the control module to allow the strain gauge to send the value of deformation to the control module, and the control module stops the driving element when the value of deformation irregularly changes in a short period of time. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain-detecting module further comprises a spacer located between another end of the deformation-vulnerable plate and a portion of the base to allow the deformation of the deformation-vulnerable plate to precisely reflect the deformation of the base of the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the exercise machine is a stair-based exercise module.