{"project":{"id":12912,"lastUpdated":"2018-10-10","title":"Computer-Controlled Force Generator, Phase II","status":"Completed","startDate":"Jan 2013","endDate":"Jul 2015","description":"TDA Research, Inc. is developing a compact, low power, Next-Generation Exercise Device (NGRED) that can generate any force between 5 and 600 lbf. We use a closed loop control system and a servo motor to smoothly and accurately simulate the gravitational and inertial loads of lifting a weight on earth. However, because the system uses a computer-controlled motor, the load can be varied independently during the concentric and eccentric phase of the exercise. Thus, the system can easily provide an eccentric overload during the return stroke, greatly increasing the physiological benefit of a workout. The NGRED has a user-friendly interface where the exercise is selected from a drop-down menu, along with the desired weight and overload. The NGRED will automatically adjust to the user's stored range of motion (ROM) for the selected exercise and apply the set load only during the ROM. The NGRED automatically applies the eccentric overload at the top of the ROM and advances to the next rep at the bottom. The time required to change between users, exercises, and weights is less than 10 seconds. This makes much better use of the astronaut's time; with current mechanically adjustable exercise machines up to two thirds of the time is spent adjusting the machine. The software includes data logging and communication abilities to meet NASA requirements as well as redundant hardware and software fail-safe mechanisms. The NGRED includes an efficient energy recovery system which stores the energy generated by the user during the concentric phase of the motion (pull stroke) and applies that energy to provide resistance during the eccentric phase (return stroke). The average power consumption of the NGRED will be less than 50 W during an exercise session. The expected weight of the NGRED at the end of Phase II will be 20 kg, and the total volume is expected to be 55 L, including all electronics and controls. A flight-like NGRED will be delivered to NASA at the end of Phase II.","benefits":"Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Extended stays in reduced gravity environments lead to a decrease in bone density and muscular deterioration if proper countermeasures are not taken. Studies have shown that crewmembers of the International Space Station can lose up to 2% per month in bone mass and 32% in muscle strength during a 6 month stay. To counteract this phenomenon, several pieces of exercise equipment have been developed. These pieces range from elastic bands to more complex pieces of equipment such as the interim Resistive Exercise Device (iRED) and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). The iRED does not generate sufficient force for effective resistive exercise, whereas the ARED has been proven to be sufficient for maintaining muscle mass and bone density. The ARED, however, is large and heavy, making it unsuitable for incorporation into a small spacecraft for long duration space travel. The NGRED is able to generate sufficient resistive force for effective resistive exercise (up to 600 lbf) and is able to provide eccentric overload to further increase the efficiency of a resistive exercise session. Furthermore, the NGRED is lightweight, low power, compact, and user friendly, making it perfectly suitable for inclusion in a small spacecraft for long-duration missions. Average power consumption of the NGRED will be less than 50 W during operation, the volume will be less than 55 L and the weight will be less than 20 kg.","technologyMaturityStart":"4","technologyMaturityCurrent":"4","technologyMaturityEnd":"4","responsibleProgram":"SBIR/STTR","responsibleMissionDirectorateOrOffice":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","leadOrganization":{"name":"Glenn Research Center","type":"NASA Center","acronym":"GRC","city":"Cleveland","state":"OH"},"workLocations":["Colorado","Ohio"],"programDirectors":["Jennifer L Gustetic"],"programManagers":["Carlos Torrez"],"projectManagers":["Aaron S Weaver","Gail P Perusek"],"principalInvestigators":["Douwe Bruinsma"],"libraryItems":[{"id":28396,"title":"Briefing Chart","type":"Image","description":null,"externalUrl":null,"publishedBy":null,"publishedDate":null,"files":[{"id":20161,"url":"https://techport.nasa.gov/file/20161","size":23230}]},{"id":2745,"title":"Project Image","type":"Image","description":"Computer-Controlled Force Generator Project Image","externalUrl":null,"publishedBy":null,"publishedDate":null,"files":[{"id":3691,"url":"https://techport.nasa.gov/file/3691","size":23230}]}],"supportingOrganizations":[{"name":"TDA Research, Inc.","type":"Industry","acronym":null,"city":"Wheat Ridge","state":"CO"}],"primaryTas":[{"id":3244,"code":"6","name":"Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems","priority":null},{"id":3290,"code":"6.3","name":"Human Health and Performance","priority":null},{"id":3727,"code":"6.3.2","name":"Long-Duration Health","priority":null}],"additionalTas":[]}}