Adjustable Exercise Equipment Linear Guide Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resistance training machines often fail to accommodate users of varying sizes effectively, leading to ergonomic issues and potential injuries due to improper sizing and lack of adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A resistance training machine design featuring a carriage that moves along a linear guide, with an elongated flexible element forming a loop that reduces in length to displace a resistance element, allowing for adjustable resistance and user-specific configurations through multiple anchor points and guide elements, including pulleys and rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If resistance training machines are designed with fixed configurations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot accommodate users of different sizes leading to ergonomic issues and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into modular components including adjustable seats, movable backrests, and segmented resistance mechanisms that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately to fit different user body proportions while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable seats along tracks, adjustable backrest angles, and variable resistance settings that can be changed during exercise. These dynamic elements allow the machine to adapt to different users without requiring complete redesign, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistance training machines are designed with multiple adjustment options for different exercises and user sizes, then ergonomics and adaptability improve, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The machine features pre-configured adjustment positions and quick-release mechanisms that allow users to rapidly switch between settings. Common exercise configurations are pre-established, enabling users to quickly adapt the machine to their needs without performing complex adjustments from scratch each time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates user-friendly self-adjustment mechanisms including pin-and-hole systems, quick-release latches, and intuitive controls that enable users to independently and quickly adjust the machine without requiring assistance or complex procedures, reducing time loss between different users.
3Ease of operation
If resistance training machines are designed to be quickly adjustable for different users, then ease of operation and user turnover improve, but the structural complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the adjustment mechanisms into standardized, modular components with simple connection interfaces, the patent enables quick user adjustments while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced ease of operation.
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 quick and easy adjustment to accommodate different user sizes, improving ergonomics and safety by providing customizable resistance levels, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing user experience in shared gym settings.
Implementation Method 1
Moving the carriage along the linear guide while one of the first and second fasteners is coupled to one of the anchor points causes the length of the portion of the flexible element that forms the loop to be reduced, thereby displacing the displaceable guide element against a force applied by the resistance element
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the flexible element between the first and second end portions forms a loop that follows a path defined by a plurality of guide elements (e.g. pulleys)
Implementation Method 3
the resistance element comprises a weight that is raised by reduction of the length of the portion of the flexible element that forms the loop
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance training machine comprises a carriage with a handle coupled to move along a linear guide such as a post. First and second end portions of a flexible element are respectively coupled the carriage. A portion of the flexible element forms a loop defined by a series of guiding elements such as pulleys. The loop is coupled to a resistance element such as a weight. First and second fasteners are respectively provided in the first and second end portions of the flexible element. A user can adjust the carriage to a starting position at their desired height and affix one of the fasteners to an anchor point of the receivers. The user can move the carriage either through causing the loop of the flexible element to be reduced in length and to pull on the resistance element or plates on plate horns to perform resistance training.