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Advanced Resistive Exercise Device
Source:
Raboin, J. L., Niebuhr, J., Cruz, S. F., & Lamoreaux, C. D. (2008). Advanced resistive exercise device (U.S. Patent No. 7,462,141). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
8029414
Patent Summary:
Capable of fostering lift-bar and cable exercises, the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) employs two pneumatic cylinders to create up to six hundred pounds of resistive force in microgravity exercise regiments. Although the design’s primary force-generating feature employs compressed gas, a series of pulleys also allow astronauts to execute other exercises. ARED best serves the upper and lower body by simulating the lifting of free weights in a 1-g environment.
Patent Critique:
Other than the TVIS, ARED is the International Space Station’s most reliable and effective exercise machine: its ability to mitigate muscle loss – and even improve muscle mass in certain parts of the body – makes it an unparalleled solution to muscular atrophy in space. However, even as the most effective solution, it is incapable of fully stemming the loss of Soleus and Gastrocnemius muscle loss; it only lowers the rate of decay compared to other exercise machines used in space. Moreover, engineers jointly acknowledge the fact that this solution is impractical for long-distance voyages due to the amount of space it takes up: space farers need more compact, not massive, tools. In spite of its spatial downfalls, this patent verses me in some potential approaches to best solving my problem. I can take some of the most effective design choices, such as the inclusion of hydraulic systems, as methods of simulating gravitational loads to help burgeon muscle growth, if not hamper muscle decay. Although I won’t focus on creating such a large-scale product, it is imperative to know where engineers have greatly succeeded in the past.
Soft Extra Muscle Hand Exoskeleton
Source:
Ingvast, J., Von Holst, H., & Wilkander, J. (2011). Strengthening Glove (U.S. Patent No. 8,029,414). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
8029414
Patent Summary:
The strengthening glove (SEM) is a breakthrough soft-suit exoskeleton that improves the force output of each finger for better grip and the reduction of fatigue resulting from repetitive motion in industrial applications. Each finger is equipped with a force detecting system and five control units reside near the forearm to pull on artificial tendons of the glove and cause the finger to bend. In short, this exoskeleton uses actuators to mimic and supplement the movement of hands to reduce fatigue and increase strength output.
Patent Critique:
Evidently, this solution does not solve my specific problem. However, NASA has acknowledged and praised this solution as a revolutionary soft exoskeleton in its ability to reduce muscle fatigue. In industry, many people suffer from lethargy, loss of energy and efficiency, and even muscular damage due to repetitive motions – this exoskeleton increases force output with nominal power use (about five to eight hours of battery life) to increase efficacy and reduce risks associated with fatigue. NASA probably saw the applications of this exoskeleton in reducing EVA glove fatigue, a well-known source of risk on spacewalks. If this technology were capable of expanding in applications beyond the hands, including the lower legs, then astronaut muscle loss would not be as much of a threat to space travel. Unfortunately, this system does not do anything to mitigate muscle loss, in essence solving a problem but ignoring its root. Other than that, this technology is progressing rapidly, so any ergonomic or aesthetic drawbacks will probably matter less in the future. While this does not solve my problem, it certainly gives me a source of inspiration concerning using exoskeletons to complement and improve physiologies in space. That said, I’m glad I stumbled across this device, because if I were to coincidentally develop some sort of soft exoskeletal device that looks or functions remotely similar to this solution, I could be sued. Still, I am not sure that my solution will follow some sort of similar path as the SEM, but it certainly does help stimulate some brainstorming ideas.
Exer-Genie
Source:
Holkesvick, E. E., Hudhall, J., & Adams, R. W. (1965). Exercising device (U.S. Patent No. 3,197,204). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
3197204
Patent Summary:
This “exercising device” is more commonly known as an Exer-genie. Initially developed for the Apollo Space Program, this device is still used in muscle conditioning and strength training to this day. Exer-genies are comprised of rope tied around a shaft that can, in modern iterations, be tightened to generate more resistive forces; these forces are generated by increased frictional forces resulting from a higher surface area of rope exposed to the shaft with each setting. This compact solution can exercise a variety of muscles through exercises such as squats and bicep curls, targeting any isotonic muscle contraction used to pull on the ropes.
Patent Critique:
At first glance, this solution appears an impeccable method of mitigating muscle atrophy in microgravity. Its efficacy in strengthening muscles on Earth is incredible, it is compact and lightweight, and it has been used as an exercise machine in space before. However, although it meets this criterion, there are several reasons Exer-genies are not used in space travel today. Firstly, there is a possibility of fraying and breaking the exercise rope, which would leave astronauts without a method of halting muscular decay for the remainder of their mission. Secondly, Apollo-era astronauts reported an obnoxious smell emanating from the device after repeated use – the odor precipitates the burning of the device’s rope during activity. Finally, although not confirmed by NASA, I believe that this solution does not target Soleus muscle development given that only specific exercises – not necessarily ideal with an Exer-genie – affect gastrocnemius and soleus muscle development; having astronauts develop a regiment solely for calf muscles wastes time. Given that this patent is – in essence – the first space-exercise machine, observing this patent provides an invaluable frame of reference from which to develop other solutions. Not only does it establish a precedence for the compactness of a solution, but also provides design-based wisdom through warnings from the downfall of using friction and ropes to provide resistance.
Exercise Machine with Treadmill for Spacecraft
Source:
Grigor'ev, A. I., Kozlovskaya, I. B., Yarmanova, E. N., & Khimoroda, N. N. (2013). Exercise machine with treadmill for spacecraft (Rospatent No. 2524912). RU Federal Service for Intellectual Property.
Patent Number:
2524912
Patent Summary:
This treadmill – known as T2 or TVIS on the ISS – incorporates several nuances for application in microgravity environments. Firstly, it employs a vibrational isolation system so all footfalls do not resonate throughout the hull of a spacecraft, disrupting any experiments in progress. Moreover, the treadmill is powered electrically and includes a display system that records individual training data for each astronaut/cosmonaut. Finally, to further reduce vibrations, the T2 sports a nearly-continuous canvas with a closed belt. For the record, astronauts are tethered down to the surface of the T2 with custom-made harnesses to simulate running in 1-g.
Patent Critique:
Data collected on the ISS classifies the TVIS as one of the most effective machines in reducing overall muscle atrophy, including the soleus and gastrocnemius. When used in tandem with ARED and CEVIS, astronauts can substantially halt the rate of atrophy. However, much like the ARED and CEVIS, the TVIS takes up a large amount of space on a spacecraft. Not only does this reduce a space craft’s volume – which can harbor experiments and other vital space systems – but it can ultimately increase the economic costs of space travel. Recall that every rocket costs an astronomical amount of money to build. If an exercise machine is too heavy to launch with a crew and cargo, then another rocket must be launched to deliver the exercise systems. In spite of the space-consuming flaws of this design, this patent is invaluable due not only to its efficacy in space-based exercise but in its provision of a potential gravitational-loading simulation method: using custom-built tethers. If astronauts are currently outfitted to use machines with custom settings, then I have a lot of leeway in developing my project by potentially employing the same kind of specificity. Moreover, this concept of using tethers to simulate gravity may ultimately find some alternate form of expression given that it is irrevocably one of the most effective systems in use.
Calf Raise Exercise Device
Source:
Haas, J. H. (2017). Calf raise exercise device (U.S. Patent No. 20170239507). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
20170239507
Patent Summary:
This calf raise exercise device is of the simplest yet efficacious designs in the calf-exercise industry. It is comprised of a platform with a higher portion on one side. Near the lower side of the platform are two clips for elastic bands connected to soft ankle cuffs. Because of its startling simplicity, it is highly convenient to use at home.
Patent Critique:
It’s strange to think that something so simple can be so helpful in strengthening calf muscles. The designers claim that this device assists in improving soleus and flexor power, although I have been unable to find any corroborating scientific evidence. Regardless of the device’s potency in strengthening calf muscles – which is what I wish to do with my solution – it’s most prominent benefits stem from its compact nature, which renders it easy to use, portable, and relatively inexpensive. However, as mentioned before, having a similar setup in space would arguably waste time by requiring astronauts to invest time in muscle-specific regiments instead of synergistically working out several muscles at the same time. This patent doesn’t necessarily add anything of value to my brainstorming process. However, it does add a vital piece of information to my repertoire: evidently, devices designed for calf muscle strengthening do not exist or are constricted to Earth-bound, body sculpting applications. According to this patent – and the lack of others on the market – proves that I can continue pushing forward in my pursuit of a calf muscle decay mitigating device.
Cycle Ergometer Vibrational Isolation System
Source:
Hansen, D. H., & Danish Aerospace Company. (2018). A torque resistance mechanism (Danish Patent No. 180216). Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
180216
Patent Summary:
This torque resistive mechanism is the foundation for the International Space Station’s Cycle Ergometer Vibrational Isolation System (CEVIS) and includes a series of frictional plates connected to a shaft, an electrically run motor, and two pedals. Together, these components – and others in the design – generate resistive forces for astronaut mitigation of muscular atrophy. Moreover, the device incorporates a seat with a harness for security in microgravity. However, this design incorporates an intuitive backup system in case the device’s power fails; CEVIS can switch into a spring-provided resistance mode that, although limited, can continue to provide an exercise method for astronauts. This patent also provides a potential multi-exercise mode, which is convenient for astronauts by combining exercise modes. However, this feature is currently not employed on the ISS CEVIS, therefore the following analysis will only cover the benefits and drawbacks of the product’s cycling capacities.
Patent Critique:
As mentioned before, CEVIS is one of the big three devices currently used in the International Space Station to reduce muscular atrophy. While not as effective as ARED, CEVIS still manages to improve astronaut health and mitigate muscle loss. However, again, the soleus and gastrocnemius prove difficult to strengthen, and the bulky nature of the machine risks increasing space-flight costs. By analyzing this patent, I finally gain insight on the mechanisms employed on all three major solutions employed on the ISS. By doing so, I can ensure that my solution avoids any similarities in design, possibly allowing my design to overcome the ‘flaws’ present in these products.
Exoskeleton Device and Control System
Source:
Witte, K. A., Jackson, R. W., & Collins, S. H. (2018). Exoskeleton device and control system (U.S. Patent No. 20180125738). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patent Number:
20180125738
Patent Summary:
This lower-limb exoskeleton aims to reduce the torque (hence energy and force) output required by muscles to walk normally. It employs a spring and cable to generate tensions, that is then connected to some sort of external motor system. This setup is held in place near the calf by shank and foot frames connected by a joint that pivots with a user’s ankle. Although the following analysis will focus on this patent’s contemporary prototype, this patent is technically the foundation for the design currently in development at Carnegie Mellon University.
Patent Critique:
It is worth noting that the actual prototype of this patent manages to create a system that requires no external power source of motor for improving walking efficiency. It’s applications in recovery, rehabilitation, and revolutionizing ambulation seem to steer clear of any space-based applications. However, since this product functions by offloading some of the forces required by a calf-muscle while walking, this solution can potentially reduce some of the muscular damage sustained by astronauts back on earth when returning from microgravity environments. The design is sleek, powerful, simple, lightweight, and easy to use – the epitome of what I want to build. The only flaws in this design are the fact that it was not meant for use in microgravity, has no method of altering the forces experienced by the user through a settings system, and suffers from some protrusions that can scratch or annoy users. This design is awfully similar to what I am currently brainstorming – it is imperative that I consider the design features employed in this patent to avoid any possible altercations. However, there is one good thing about the problem I wish to solve: if I happen to mimic any of this device’s features, I will be forced to do the exact opposite of what the design does. Instead of reducing the forces experienced by the calf, I intend to increase them. Therefore, this patent provides a wonderful antithetical mirror for my pursuits.
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