Adjustable Counterforce Mechanism for Exercise Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional training devices require users to interrupt their workout to adjust counterforces, such as weights or springs, which reduces training efficiency and effectiveness due to muscle recovery during adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A training device with an adjustable counterforce mechanism using a locking lever with multiple pockets allows users to quickly adjust the counterforce without leaving the device, enabling continuous training with reduced muscle fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the counterforce is adjusted by removing weight plates or moving them to shorter lever arms, then the counterforce is reduced, but the user must interrupt training and leave the device or be assisted by a trainer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of counterforce adjustmentVSAvoidtraining interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting device enables the user to independently adjust the counterforce by sliding the receiver along the guide and locking it in position, without requiring assistance from a trainer or leaving the training device. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the adjustment process both easy to operate and time-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is designed to be slidable along the guide, allowing dynamic adjustment of the lever arm length during training. This dynamic mechanism enables quick counterforce changes without fixed mounting points, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and training continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the user waits for muscle recovery to continue training with reduced strength, then proper exercise form can be maintained, but the desired number of repetitions and training effect are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise form qualityVSAvoidtraining volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the user to quickly reduce counterforce during training without prolonged interruptions. This enables maintenance of proper exercise form across more repetitions by及时调整 resistance, resolving the contradiction between reliability of form and productivity of training volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If weights are located on both sides of the machine for simultaneous bilateral training, then both sides of the body can be trained simultaneously, but the user or assistant must walk around the machine to adjust weights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilateral training capabilityVSAvoidcounterforce adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-service adjusting device allows the user to independently adjust counterforce on both sides of the machine without requiring a trainer's assistance or walking around the equipment. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining bilateral training capability while significantly improving adjustment convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the lever arm of the counterforce element is shortened to reduce counterforce, then the user can continue training with reduced strength, but the adjustment process requires leaving the device or assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining continuityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the receiver to be easily repositioned along the guide to change the lever arm length. This relatively simple mechanical design achieves quick counterforce adjustment without complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between training continuity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient adjustment of counterforce, reducing muscle fatigue and improving training success by allowing users to maintain workout intensity without interruptions, with a reduction in counterforce of up to 60% and minimizing shocks from weight movement.

Implementation Method 1

springs are also known to be used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The locking means is designed as a locking lever with at least two pockets which encompass the locking bolt in the first position or a further position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3718609B1Exercise device for exercising certain muscles or groups of muscles
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 GYM80 INT
  • EP3718609B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3718609B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a training device for training specific muscles or muscle groups of a user, comprising a frame (12) with an attack element (18, 19) movably mounted on the frame (12), which is configured so that the user applies a force to it during training using at least one part of their body; a counter-pressure element (13, 15) movably mounted on the frame (12), which is operatively connected to the attack element (18, 19); and a receptacle (27) for a counterforce element, which acts on the counter-pressure element (13, 15) and opposes the force applied by the user. To further develop a known training device such that the counterforce can be adjusted quickly, the training device (10) according to the invention is characterized by an adjustment mechanism (20) that can be operated by the user to adjust the counterforce.