Universal variable resistance weight device for exercise equipment

Abstract

The application provides a general variable resistance counterweight device of fitness equipment, and relates to the technical field of fitness equipment, which comprises a frame and a connecting rod mechanism, the upper end of the outer side of the frame is provided with a central rotating shaft, the inner side of the central rotating shaft is rotationally provided with a position adjusting disc, and the outer side of the central rotating shaft is rotationally provided with a force arm, and a plurality of groups of positioning holes are arranged on the disc surface of the position adjusting disc; the application is composed of the force arm on the frame, the position adjusting disc and the connecting rod mechanism, single-side torque output can be realized by using single-side structure alone, and double-side torque output can be realized by connecting two sides to form an integral frame, the functional requirements of single movement and double movement in strength training equipment are met, the force moment shaft and the training equipment are connected through a universal joint, the flexibility of the universal joint is utilized, the output torque is output in all directions, the general modular design of the hanging piece counterweight device is realized, and the application is suitable for different types of strength training equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fitness equipment technology, and in particular to a universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional weighted barbell plates in strength training equipment are usually designed as a single unit with the equipment itself, which cannot be modularized. This makes it impossible to use a universal standard weight device in the design of all types of strength training equipment, thus failing to achieve standardization and uniformity. Since the weight structure of each piece of equipment needs to be considered individually during the design process, it increases the product design cycle and design cost. like Figure 15 The image shows the resistance curve of a traditional fixed-plate weight training machine. The existing weight structure of the barbell plates in existing plate-type strength training equipment has a fixed angle of motion, meaning that the resistance curve for each reciprocating motion is constant. This prevents the provision of more flexible and varied variable resistance training (VRT). Variable resistance training (VRT) is a strength training method characterized by providing different resistance levels throughout the entire range of motion, unlike traditional constant resistance training. The aim is to adjust resistance based on the muscle's force curve at specific joint angles. In strength training, resistance is categorized into isostatic resistance training and variable resistance training based on its variability. Isostatic resistance training provides constant resistance throughout a single repetition; traditional equipment such as dumbbells, barbells, plated weights, and weighted weight machines primarily provide this. Variable resistance training, on the other hand, uses equipment where resistance can change during a single repetition, such as resistance bands, spring resistance bands, and chains. Experimental studies have shown that variable resistance training more closely reflects actual movement, better simulates the strength requirements of daily life and exercise, making training more functional, and providing comprehensive muscle stimulation. Varying resistance at different stages can more comprehensively stimulate muscle fibers and promote balanced muscle development. It can also prevent plateaus, as the body struggles to fully adapt to constantly changing resistance, thus reducing the occurrence of training plateaus. Therefore, implementing variable resistance training on strength training equipment is essential. However, traditional strength training equipment with fixed-track weights can only provide a fixed resistance curve. Methods to achieve variable resistance training typically involve adding resistance bands, chains, or other auxiliary devices to the equipment, but this method only provides a unidirectional increase in resistance and is complex to operate, causing interruptions in the training process. Therefore, this invention proposes a universal variable resistance weight device for fitness equipment to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes a universal variable resistance weight device for fitness equipment. This universal variable resistance weight device connects the torque shaft and the training equipment via a universal joint. Utilizing the flexibility of the universal joint, it satisfies the output torque in all directions, realizing a universal modular design for the weight plate device. This makes it applicable to different types of strength training equipment, reducing manufacturing and usage costs.

[0004] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment, comprising a frame and a linkage mechanism, wherein a central rotating shaft is provided at the upper end of the outer side of the frame, and a lever arm and a position adjustment disc are coaxially mounted on the central rotating shaft, a position adjustment disc is rotatably provided on the inner side of the central rotating shaft, and a lever arm is rotatably provided on the outer side of the central rotating shaft, a positioning hole is provided on the surface of the position adjustment disc, and an elastic pin is provided in the middle of the lever arm, and the elastic pin is adapted to the positioning hole; The front end of the inner side of the frame is rotatably provided with a torque shaft, and the inner side of the torque shaft is connected to the training device through a universal joint, while the outer side of the torque shaft is connected to the position adjustment plate through a linkage mechanism.

[0005] A further improvement is that the linkage mechanism includes a first link and a second link, the outer side of the torque shaft is connected to the first link, one end of the first link is hinged to the second link, and the upper end of the second link is hinged to the inner middle of the position adjustment disc.

[0006] A further improvement is that the frame is provided in two sets, and a middle crossbeam connects the two sets of frames.

[0007] A further improvement is that the two sets of frames and the intermediate crossbeam form an integral structural frame, and the bottom of the integral structural frame is provided with rubber pads.

[0008] A further improvement is that: a movable cover is slidably provided at the front end of the lever arm, and a hanging point rod is provided on the outside of the movable cover; a track is provided at the front end of the lever arm at both the upper and lower ends, and a slider is movably provided on the track at both the upper and lower ends; the movable cover is fixed to the slider by bolts.

[0009] A further improvement is that: a fixing hole is provided at the front end of the outer side of the lever arm, and multiple sets of fixing holes are provided at equal intervals; a screw is installed in the internal thread of the hanging point rod, and the inner end of the screw is adapted to the fixing hole; the hanging point rod is used to install barbell plates.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention consists of a frame lever arm, a position adjustment disc, and a linkage mechanism. It can achieve unilateral torque output by using a single-sided structure, or achieve bilateral torque output by connecting the two sides in the middle to form an integral frame. This meets the single-action and double-action functional requirements of strength training equipment. Furthermore, the torque shaft and training equipment are connected by a universal joint. Utilizing the flexibility of the universal joint, the output torque can be output in various directions, realizing a universal modular design for the hanging weight device. This makes it suitable for different types of strength training equipment, reducing manufacturing and operating costs.

[0011] 2. In this invention, the lever arm and the position adjustment disk are coaxially mounted on the central rotating shaft. The position adjustment disk has positioning holes at specific angles. The position adjustment disk rotates around the central rotating shaft at a fixed motion angle and transmits torque to the torque axis through a linkage structure. At the same time, the lever arm is connected to the positioning holes through elastic pins and also rotates freely around the central rotating shaft. When the elastic pins of the lever arm are inserted into different positioning holes, the lever arm will have different starting angles, thus obtaining different motion resistance curves. This enables the provision of the resistance curves required for variable resistance training (VRT) for training equipment with different functions. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the single-sided frame of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the position adjustment disc and lever arm installation of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the training device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movement from an initial angle of 40° to an end angle of 90° according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance curve of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the movement from an initial angle of 52.5° to an end angle of 102.5° according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance curve in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the movement from a starting angle of 65° to an ending angle of 115° according to the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance curve in Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the movement of the present invention from an initial angle of 77.5° to an end angle of 127.5°; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance curve in Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the movement from a starting angle of 90° to an ending angle of 140° according to the present invention. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance curve in Embodiment Six of the present invention; Figure 15 The curve shows the motion resistance of a traditional fixed mounting plate.

[0013] The components include: 1. Frame; 2. Central pivot; 3. Position adjustment disc; 4. Lever arm; 5. Positioning hole; 6. Elastic pin; 7. Movable cover; 8. Hanging rod; 9. Torque shaft; 10. First connecting rod; 11. Second connecting rod; 12. Intermediate crossbeam; 13. Track; 14. Fixing hole; 15. Screw; 16. Training equipment; 17. Universal joint; 18. Rubber pad. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0015] according to Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, this embodiment proposes a universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment, including a frame 1 and a linkage mechanism. The frame 1 has two sets, left and right, and a central rotating shaft 2 is provided at the upper end of the outer side of the frame 1. A position adjustment disk 3 is rotatably provided on the inner side of the central rotating shaft 2, and a lever arm 4 is rotatably provided on the outer side of the central rotating shaft 2. The position adjustment disk 3 has positioning holes 5 on its surface, and multiple sets of positioning holes 5 are provided at equal angles. An elastic pin 6 is provided in the middle of the arm body of the lever arm 4, and the elastic pin 6 is adapted to the positioning hole 5. A movable cover 7 is slidably provided at the front end of the lever arm 4, and a hanging point rod 8 is provided on the outer side of the movable cover 7.

[0016] A torque shaft 9 is rotatably provided at the lower inner front end of the frame 1, and the torque shaft 9 is used to connect the training device 16. The linkage mechanism includes a first link 10 and a second link 11. The outer side of the torque shaft 9 is connected to the first link 10, and one end of the first link 10 is hinged to the second link 11. The upper end of the second link 11 is hinged to the inner middle of the position adjustment disk 3. The frame 1 has a symmetrical structure on both sides, which can achieve single-sided torque output by using a single side structure alone, or achieve double-sided torque output by connecting the two sides in the middle to form an overall frame. This meets the functional requirements of single-motion and double-motion in strength training equipment. The torque shaft 9 and the training device 16 are connected by a universal joint 17. The flexibility of the universal joint 17 allows the output torque to be output in all directions, realizing a universal modular design for the hanging weight device. At the same time, the lever arm 4 and the position adjustment disk 3 are coaxially mounted on the central rotating shaft 2. The position adjustment disk 3 has positioning holes 5 at specific angles. The position adjustment disk 3 rotates around the central rotating shaft 2 at a fixed motion angle and transmits the torque to the torque shaft 9 through a linkage structure. The lever arm 4 is connected to the positioning hole 5 through an elastic pin 6. The lever arm 4 also rotates freely around the central rotating shaft 2. When the elastic pin 6 of the lever arm 4 is inserted into different positioning holes 5, the lever arm 4 will have different starting angles, thus obtaining different motion resistance curves. This realizes the provision of the resistance curve required for variable resistance training (VRT) for training equipment with different functions. Advantages of Variable Resistance Training (VRT): More Effective Muscle Growth Stimulation: By providing optimal resistance throughout the entire range of motion, VRT can more effectively stimulate muscle fibers, promoting muscle growth. Increased Strength and Power: VRT can help athletes develop greater strength and power at specific joint angles. Reduced Injury Risk: VRT can reduce stress on joints, especially at the beginning and end of movements, thus reducing the risk of injury. More Challenging and Engaging: VRT can add fun and challenge to workouts, helping people overcome training plateaus.

[0017] Two sets of frames 1 are connected by a middle crossbeam 12, and there are three sets of middle crossbeams 12. The two sets of frames 1 and the middle crossbeams 12 form an overall structural frame, and rubber pads 18 are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the overall structural frame. The overall frame structure, together with the rubber pads 18, facilitates stable placement.

[0018] The lever arm 4 has rails 13 at both its upper and lower front ends, and sliders are movably mounted on both rails 13. The movable cover 7 is fixed to the sliders by bolts. The outer front end of the lever arm 4 has fixing holes 14, and multiple sets of fixing holes 14 are equidistantly arranged. A screw 15 is threaded into the internal thread of the hanging rod 8, and the inner end of the screw 15 is adapted to the fixing hole 14. The hanging rod 8 is used to install barbell plates. In use, barbell plates can be installed via the hanging rod 8, the position of the barbell plates can be changed by sliding the movable cover 7, and the movable cover 7 can be fixed by inserting the screw 15 into the corresponding fixing hole 14. The lever arm 4 can be inserted into positioning holes 5 at different angles via elastic pins 6, so that the counterweight lever arm has different ranges of motion angles.

[0019] Both the position adjustment disc 3 and the lever arm 4 rotate around the central shaft 2, and the position adjustment disc 3 and the lever arm 4 rotate independently. The lever arm 4 is coaxially mounted on the central shaft 2 with the position adjustment disc 3. The position adjustment disc 3 has positioning holes 5 at specific angles. The position adjustment disc 3 rotates around the central shaft 2 at a fixed motion angle and transmits torque to the torque shaft 9 through a linkage structure. The lever arm 4 is connected to the positioning holes 5 through an elastic pin 6. The lever arm 4 also rotates freely around the central shaft 2. When the elastic pin 6 of the lever arm 4 is inserted into different positioning holes 5, the lever arm 4 will have different starting angles, thus obtaining different motion resistance curves.

[0020] The front end of the overall structural frame is used to install the training device 16, and the training device 16 is fixed to the middle crossbeam 12. The functional connection points of the training device 16 are connected to the torque shafts 9 on both sides through universal joints 17. Figure 4 As shown, taking the seated chest press strength training machine as an example, the functional training frame of the seated chest press is installed onto the universal resistance source counterweight frame via a connecting beam. A single universal joint 17 is sufficient to transmit the torque output of the resistance source counterweight's lever arm 4 to the grip lever arm of the seated chest press strength training machine, completing the assembly of the entire machine. The universal joint 17 allows for flexible output of the torque direction of the resistance source counterweight frame, accommodating the connection of different functional strength training machines. The torque shaft 9 transmits torque to the central rotating shaft 2 via the first connecting rod 10, the second connecting rod 11, and the position adjustment disc 3. When the first connecting rod 10 rotates counterclockwise around the torque shaft 9, the second connecting rod 11 drives the position adjustment disc 3 to rotate clockwise around the central rotating shaft 2. Example 2

[0021] according to Figure 5 , 6 As shown, this embodiment proposes a universal variable resistance weight device for fitness equipment. The lever arm length is 0.8m. Taking a 10kg barbell plate as an example, the torque formula τ=Frsinθ=m*g*r*sinθ, substituting the motion angle range of 40°~90° into θ, yields the torque-angle relationship curve (i.e., the resistance curve) as follows. Figure 5 , 6 . Example 3

[0022] according to Figure 7 , 8 As shown, this embodiment proposes a universal variable resistance weight device for fitness equipment. The lever arm length is 0.8m. Taking a 10kg barbell plate as an example, the torque formula τ=Frsinθ=m*g*r*sinθ, substituting the motion angle range of 52.5°~102.5° into θ, yields the torque-angle relationship curve (i.e., the resistance curve) as follows. Figure 7 , 8 . Example 4

[0023] according to Figure 9 , 10 As shown, this embodiment proposes a universal variable resistance weight device for fitness equipment. The lever arm length is 0.8m. Taking a 10kg barbell plate as an example, the torque formula τ=Frsinθ=m*g*r*sinθ, substituting the motion angle range of 65°~115° into θ, yields the torque-angle relationship curve (i.e., the resistance curve) as follows. Figure 9 , 10 . Example 5

[0024] according to Figure 11 , 12 As shown, this embodiment proposes a counterweight device with a lever arm length of 0.8m. Taking a 10kg barbell plate as an example, the torque formula τ=Frsinθ=m*g*r*sinθ, substituting the motion angle range of 77.5°~127.5° into θ, yields the torque-angle relationship curve (i.e., the resistance curve) as follows. Figure 11 , 12 . Example 6

[0025] according to Figure 13 , 14 As shown, this embodiment proposes a counterweight device with a lever arm length of 0.8m. Taking a 10kg barbell plate as an example, the torque formula τ=Frsinθ=m*g*r*sinθ, substituting the motion angle range of 90°~140° into θ, yields the torque-angle relationship curve (i.e., the resistance curve) as follows. Figure 13 , 14 .

[0026] This universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment consists of a frame 1 with a lever arm 4, a position adjustment disc 3, and a linkage mechanism. It can achieve unilateral torque output by using a single-sided structure, or it can achieve bilateral torque output by connecting the two sides in the middle to form an integral frame. This meets the functional requirements of single-motion and double-motion in strength training equipment. Furthermore, it connects the torque shaft 9 and the training device 16 through a universal joint 17. Utilizing the flexibility of the universal joint 17, it can output torque in various directions, realizing a universal modular design for the weight plate device. This makes it suitable for different types of strength training equipment, reducing manufacturing and operating costs. In addition, the present invention coaxially mounts the lever arm 4 and the position adjustment disk 3 on the central rotating shaft 2. The position adjustment disk 3 has positioning holes 5 at specific angles. The position adjustment disk 3 rotates around the central rotating shaft 2 at a fixed motion angle and transmits the torque to the torque shaft 9 through a linkage structure. At the same time, the lever arm 4 is connected to the positioning holes 5 through the elastic pin 6. The lever arm 4 also rotates freely around the central rotating shaft 2. When the elastic pin 6 of the lever arm 4 is inserted into different positioning holes 5, the lever arm 4 will have different starting angles, thus obtaining different motion resistance curves. This realizes the provision of the resistance curve required for variable resistance training (VRT) for training equipment with different functions. The theoretical basis of the motion mechanics is: torque τ=Frsinθ. This invention utilizes kinematics calculations and designs an adjustable counterweight device that conforms to the resistance curve of human biomechanics. It can achieve various training modes during strength training, such as increasing resistance during the concentric contraction phase, decreasing resistance during the concentric contraction phase, increasing resistance during the eccentric contraction phase, and decreasing resistance during the eccentric contraction phase. This allows the strength training device using the resistance source counterweight to provide users with richer and more efficient training content.

[0027] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment, comprising a frame (1) and a linkage mechanism, characterized in that: The upper part of the outer side of the frame (1) is provided with a central rotating shaft (2). The lever arm (4) and the position adjustment disk (3) are coaxially mounted on the central rotating shaft (2). The position adjustment disk (3) is rotatably provided on the inner side of the central rotating shaft (2), and the lever arm (4) is rotatably provided on the outer side of the central rotating shaft (2). The position adjustment disk (3) is provided with a positioning hole (5). The lever arm (4) is provided with an elastic pin (6) in the middle of its arm body, and the elastic pin (6) is adapted to the positioning hole (5). The front end of the inner side of the frame (1) is provided with a torque shaft (9), and the inner side of the torque shaft (9) is connected to the training device (16) through a universal joint (17), and the outer side of the torque shaft (9) is connected to the position adjustment plate (3) through a linkage mechanism.

2. The universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage mechanism includes a first link (10) and a second link (11). The outer side of the torque shaft (9) is connected to the first link (10), and one end of the first link (10) is hinged to the second link (11). The upper end of the second link (11) is hinged to the inner middle of the position adjustment disk (3).

3. The universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided in two sets, and a middle crossbeam (12) connects the two sets of the frame (1).

4. The universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The two sets of frames (1) and the intermediate crossbeam (12) form an overall structural frame, and the bottom of the overall structural frame is provided with rubber pads (18).

5. The universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the lever arm (4) is provided with a movable cover (7), and the outer side of the movable cover (7) is provided with a hanging rod (8). The front ends of the lever arm (4) above and below are provided with rails (13), and the rails (13) above and below the lever arm (4) are provided with sliders. The movable cover (7) is fixed to the sliders by bolts.

6. The universal variable resistance counterweight device for fitness equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front end of the lever arm (4) is provided with a fixing hole (14), and multiple sets of fixing holes (14) are provided at equal intervals. The internal thread of the hanging rod (8) is fitted with a screw (15), and the inner end of the screw (15) is adapted to the fixing hole (14). The hanging rod (8) is used to install barbell plates.

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