Sensor-weight system for an exercise machine

Abstract

The present application relates to a sensor-weight system for an exercise machine. The system comprises a load cell, a three-axis accelerometer, a battery, a housing, a communication unit, a data processing unit, and a weight stack with multiple weights. The load cell interconnects a cable with the weight sword of the weight stack, allowing precise measurement of the user's exerted force during exercise.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sensor-weight system for an exercise machine comprising:
 a load cell,   a three-axis accelerometer,   a battery,   a housing,   a communication unit,   a data processing unit,   a weight stack with a plurality of weights which can be coupled with a weight sword by a pin,
 wherein the load cell interconnects a cable with the weight sword of the weight stack, wherein the cable can be coupled to a user interface of the exercise machine. 
   
     
     
         2 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the load cell is connected to an end of the cable and directly fixed to the weight sword.   
     
     
         3 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the housing comprises two parts, a base and a cover.   
     
     
         4 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the housing comprises a door element, through which the load cell, the three-axis accelerometer, the battery, the communication unit and the data processing unit can be inserted into the housing.   
     
     
         5 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the weight sword comprises a shaft with axially spaced openings and a plate with through holes which can guide rod tubes of the exercise machine.   
     
     
         6 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 5 ,
 wherein the housing is connected to the plate in a material-, form- or force-locking manner.   
     
     
         7 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 6 ,
 wherein the plate comprises a recess for receiving the housing.   
     
     
         8 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 5 ,
 wherein the load cell is integrated in the plate, the plate having a corresponding cavity,   wherein the load cell is connected to the plate in a material-, form- or force-locking manner.   
     
     
         9 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 5 ,
 wherein the plate comprises a hollow space and serves as a housing,   wherein the load cell, the three-axis accelerometer, the battery, the communication unit and the data processing unit are accommodated by the plate.   
     
     
         10 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the hollow space of the plate comprises several chambers,   wherein the load cell, the three-axis accelerometer, the battery, the communication unit or the data processing unit can each be accommodated in different chambers so as not to interfere with each other.   
     
     
         11 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the plate comprises an opening that connects the hollow space with the exterior of the plate,   wherein the opening can serve to route an antenna for the communication unit or to provide a slot for data transfer to the data processing unit or to provide a slot for charging the battery to the exterior of the plate.   
     
     
         12 . The sensor-weight system of  claim 5   wherein a LCD display is attached to a front face of the plate so that the LCD display is visible for the user during exercise.   
     
     
         13 . An exercise machine comprising:
 a body, and   the sensor-weight system of  claim 1 ,   at least one pulley which is attached to the body guiding the cable to a user interface, which is attached to the cable.   
     
     
         14 . A training exercise and management system comprising:
 an external device having a data processing unit and a communication unit, and   a first exercise machine, which is the exercise machine of claim  13 , or   a second exercise machine with a sensor-weight system comprising:
 a. a load cell, and 
 b. a battery, and 
 c. a housing, and 
 d. a communication unit, and 
 e. a data processing unit, 
 f. a weight stack with a plurality of weights that can be coupled with a weight sword, 
 g. wherein the load cell is located at the base of the weight stack, so that during an exercise by a user, weights which are not coupled to the weight sword rest on the load cell, 
   wherein the sensor-weight system of the first exercise machine is configured to acquire a value of a weight or a plurality of weights which are coupled to the weight sword or the movement of a weight or a plurality of weights which are coupled to the weight sword or the movement of the cable,   wherein the sensor-weight system of the second exercise machine is configured to acquire the weight or a plurality of weights which are not coupled to the weight sword,   and wherein the external device is in data communication with the communication unit of the first exercise machine or the second exercise machine and configured to analyze the acquired data.   
     
     
         15 . A method for performing strength muscle training:
 a. providing the training exercise and management system of claim  14 ;   b. applying a force via the user interface against a cable resistance which is generated by the weight stack,   c. acquiring the movement of a weight or a plurality of weights which are coupled to the weight sword, in particular a speed or an acceleration of the movement,   d. acquiring a value of a weight or a plurality of weights which are coupled to the weight sword,   e. transmitting all acquired data to the external device,   f. analyzing the acquired data, potentially using artificial intelligence algorithms.