Mechanical design for strength training equipment to implement the eccentric starting movement

Abstract

Strength training equipment designed so that the exercise begins with an eccentric movement phase, regardless of the muscle group, training direction, or the design of the equipment.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to mechanical training devices in the field of strength training and bodybuilding, in particular devices that perform resistance exercises with weights or similar loads and take into account both concentric and eccentric muscle work. State of the art

[0002] With most conventional training equipment, movements typically begin with the concentric phase, i.e., the active muscle shortening to overcome resistance, followed by the eccentric phase, in which the weight or resistance is lowered in a controlled manner. However, studies show that focusing on the eccentric phase can lead to greater benefits in muscle growth and strength development. Object of the invention

[0003] The technical problem is that most existing strength training equipment does not allow training to begin with the eccentric phase, which limits optimal muscle activation and may increase the risk of strain or injury due to an uneven distribution of force between the concentric and eccentric phases. Solution of the invention

[0004] The solution lies in the design of a mechanical device that allows the user to begin training with the eccentric phase. This increases training efficiency and reduces the risk of injury. The design is based on a mechanical mechanism that controls resistance during the eccentric phase without the need for electronic or hydraulic systems. Advantages of the invention

[0005] The invention offers a new mechanical design for strength training equipment that makes it possible to begin training with the eccentric movement of the weights.

[0006] This allows the muscles to be stretched in a controlled manner before being actively contracted, resulting in a physiologically more favorable load.

[0007] This leads to a more even distribution of force between the eccentric and concentric phases and reduces the risk of overload or injury.

[0008] The mechanical system of the invention allows controlled movement of the weights as well as easy selection and fixing of the desired load.

[0009] The integrated support device allows the trainee to safely continue the movement or return the weights to the starting position in case of muscle fatigue.

[0010] Overall, the invention improves training safety, the efficiency of muscle activation, and the ergonomic handling of the device. Component overview

[0011] The invention comprises the following main components, which are represented in the figures by reference numerals: Component 1: A component permanently mounted in the upper area, featuring holes and an internal channel. It serves as a central mounting point for the moving elements and supports the cable routing to ensure smooth mechanical movement. Component 2: The weights are hollow in the center, allowing Component 1 to be inserted, and have holes that align with the holes in Component 1. This enables precise attachment and correct guidance of the mechanical movement during the exercise. Component 3: A movable component that moves up and down within component 1. It serves as a movable base for holding the weights (component 2) and enables their controlled lifting and lowering during the eccentric and concentric phases of the exercise. Component 4 rests on hinged supports that open and close in a specific way and serve as a support for the weights (component 2) when at rest, to ensure their stability during non-use or short breaks between repetitions. Component 5: Holes in Component 1 and Component 2 are used to fix weights that the user does not wish to use during the exercise. A special insert is placed in these holes to secure the unwanted weights in Component 1, while the desired weights are moved using Component 3. In this way, the user can select only the weights they actually want to use, while the remaining weights remain securely fixed. Component 6 (Cable): A mechanical cable connected to Component 3 (the movable base for holding the weights) and routed through Component 1 (the upper fixed component). The cable transmits the force from the foot or lever mechanism to Component 3, thereby raising and lowering the weights (Component 2) in a controlled manner. The cable ensures precise and safe movement of Component 3 along with the weights and enables the accurate execution of the eccentric (downward) and concentric (upward) phases of the exercise. Component 7 (Foot Drive Mechanism): A foot-operated mechanism that provides additional support when lifting the weights (Component 2), especially when the user reaches muscular fatigue during the exercise. The movement is transmitted via belts that rotate a pulley, lifting the weight and moving Component 3 with the weights. This mechanism also helps to return the weights safely and in a controlled manner to the starting position, ensuring a smooth and continuous eccentric and concentric movement. Component 8 is a bar on which weights are manually placed according to the desired load. This design allows for load adjustment when the user reaches muscular fatigue and can no longer complete the movement fully or to the eccentric starting position. In such a case, individual weights can be removed, reducing the overall load and facilitating the return of the system to the starting position. This ensures that the eccentric phase of the movement can still be performed without having to move a weight that exceeds the user's current muscle strength. Component 9 refers to the conventional weights, as used in gyms, which are placed on the bar to determine the training weight. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] It should be noted that the dimensions, proportions and arrangements shown in the figures are for schematic illustration only and do not necessarily represent a scaled or final embodiment. Fig. Figure 1: Shows the general arrangement of the essential mechanical components of the proposed design. Fig. 2: Shows the detailed design of the weights and the intended holes in them. Fig. 3: Shows the upper fixed component and the holes provided in it. Fig. 3a: Shows a cross-section of the previously shown component to illustrate the bores and the inner channel. Fig. 4: Shows the movable component (component 3) that interacts with component 1, as well as the position of the cable (component 6). Fig. Figure 4a shows component 9 in a sectional view, revealing that the rod is designed for manually holding additional weights. The illustration clarifies the positioning of the weights on the rod and their arrangement in relation to the other components of the device. Fig. 5: Shows the assembly of components 1, 2, 3 and 6 together. Fig. 6: Fig. 6: Shows the foot drive mechanism (component 7) and the power transmission via belts that rotate a roller, thereby moving component 3 together with the weights (component 2). Examples of implementation

[0013] In the initial state, the weights (component 2) and the movable component (component 3) are completely fixed by the brackets (component 4). Before the exercise begins, a special insert is placed into the holes to select the desired weights.

[0014] At the beginning of the exercise, component 4 is released, after which components 2 and 3 are freely movable, and the exercise can be performed according to the eccentric and concentric movement phases.

[0015] Component 7 (foot drive mechanism) fulfills two main functions, which are explained as follows: • Use Case 1: If the user reaches the muscular fatigue limit during the exercise, component 7 provides additional support to continue lifting the weights and to continue the exercise with maximum effectiveness. • Use case 2: Component 7 can also be used as a manual mechanism to safely and precisely return the weights (component 2) and the movable component (component 3) to their starting position. • Use Case 3: Component 8 fulfills two functions during the exercise. Initially, additional weights are manually added to the bar to set the desired training load. If, after completing the eccentric downward movement, the trainee is unable to perform the subsequent concentric upward movement due to muscle fatigue, individual additional weights can be removed from Component 8. By gradually reducing the load, it is possible to return the weight system to the upper starting position in a controlled manner, without requiring a force that exceeds the current muscle capacity.

Claims

[1] Strength training equipment designed so that the exercise begins with an eccentric phase of movement, regardless of the muscle group, direction of training or design of the equipment. [2] Strength training device comprising two interacting weight systems, wherein the device has, on the one hand, a weight system integrated into the movement mechanism and, on the other hand, includes additional weights that can be manually placed on a bar provided for this purpose, wherein the additional weights are used to increase the training load and can be manually removed in the event of muscular fatigue being reached in order to reduce the load and to allow the device to be safely returned to its starting position, while the weight system integrated into the mechanism continues to be guided within the intended movement sequence. [3] Strength training device in which the weights are arranged and held in an upper position in the initial state. [4] Strength training device which enables the exercise to be started with an eccentric movement of the weights, comprising a mechanism for fixing the weights in the starting position and a mechanism for releasing the weights at the beginning of the exercise so that the weights can be raised and lowered in a controlled manner, including the possibility of assisting the movement when muscular fatigue is reached and of returning the weights to the starting position, wherein the weights are held in an upper position in the starting position and the movement sequence begins with a downward eccentric movement of the weights before a subsequent concentric upward movement. [5] Strength training device according to claim 4, wherein an additional mechanism is provided to assist in lifting the weights or to return them to the starting position. [6] Strength training device according to claim 4, wherein the cable is connected to the movable component (component 3) to transmit the movement. [7] Strength training device according to claim 4, wherein unwanted weights are fixed by a special element via bores on the upper fixed component (component 1). [8] Strength training device according to claim 4, wherein the upper fixed component (component 1) is designed such that the movable component (component 3) can be passed through it during the movement.

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