Assembly in Action: Fasteners Work Out for Trainer
The Koko Smartrainer exercise machine, manufactured by Koko Fitness Inc. (Norwell, MA), includes an integrated computerized "personal trainer" that automatically customizes each workout to an individual's particular needs. Not surprisingly, given the level of technology involved, actually manufacturing such a system required overcoming a number of assembly challenges.
For example, early on in the design process, engineers realized they had to find a viable fastening method for installing a printed circuit board assembly that senses the location of a pin in the weight stack, thereby tracking how much a user should lift.