Adjustable Exercise Platforms for Versatile Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise machines, such as reformers, often require bulky handles or lack sufficient contact points, limiting the range of exercise movements available to users.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with adjustable platforms that can pivot between a flat and inclined position, providing additional contact points for users to perform various exercises without the need for bulky handles, by incorporating a frame with rails, a movable carriage, and end platforms that can be independently adjusted to different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bulky handles are added to provide contact points, then exercise movement options increase, but device complexity and obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end platforms are made dynamically adjustable, allowing users to pivot them to different angles during exercise. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for fixed bulky handles, as users can create their own contact points by positioning the platforms in various orientations. The platforms transition from static surfaces to dynamic, multi-functional contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The end platforms serve multiple functions: they act as exercise surfaces, contact points, and adjustable support structures. By making these existing components multi-functional and adjustable, the patent eliminates the need for separate handle structures. The same platforms that support the user's body can also serve as gripping points when tilted appropriately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flat surfaces are used for carriages and platforms, then simplicity is maintained, but exercise variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to previously static flat surfaces. The end platforms can be pivoted to different angles, transforming simple flat surfaces into multi-angled contact surfaces. This dynamic capability allows the same flat platform structure to provide varied exercise options without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the end platforms is changed as a key parameter to create exercise variety. By adjusting this single geometric parameter (the angle of the platform relative to horizontal), the system provides multiple exercise configurations without changing the fundamental flat surface design or adding complex structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If end platforms are made adjustable, then additional contact points are created, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end platforms are segmented from the fixed frame structure, allowing independent rotation and adjustment. This segmentation enables the platforms to be moved independently to create various contact points without requiring complex integrated mechanisms. The separation of the platform from the main structure simplifies the adjustment mechanism while maximizing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The end platforms are designed with dynamic pivot capability, allowing them to rotate between fixed and inclined positions. This dynamic feature creates multiple contact points throughout the exercise range without requiring multiple separate contact structures. The same physical platform provides multiple contact opportunities as it moves through different angles.
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 a wider variety of exercise movements by offering additional gripping points, enhancing user flexibility and exercise options while eliminating the need for obstructive handles.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is adapted to be connected to the carriage, with the biasing member being adapted to apply a resistance force against movement of the carriage in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
A first end platform is pivotably connected to the frame, with a first end of the first end platform being adjustable between a level position with respect to the frame and a raised position with respect to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine with adjustable platforms for adjusting the angular orientation of one or more end platforms and/or carriage platform to allow for a wide range of exercise moves. The exercise machine includes a rail to which a carriage is movably connected and a first end platform connected to an end of the rail. The carriage includes a platform which may be adjusted between a level position in which the platform is laid flat and a raised position in which the platform is at an angular incline. The first end platform may similarly and independently be adjustable between the level position in which the first end platform is laid flat and a raised position in which the first end platform is at an angular incline. In some embodiments, the exercise machine may include a second end platform which is similarly adjustable between a level position and a raised position.