Adjustable-Incline Climbing Wall Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climbing walls are limited in their ability to adjust incline, offering only preset angles, which restricts the variety of climbing experiences and exercise options, and often require significant space for storage and use.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable-incline climbing wall system that includes a base unit and an actuator, allowing the climbing surface to be positioned at any angle between substantially vertical and 50° relative to the ground, with a hinged mechanism for adjusting the incline and easy mounting/removal of climbing grips and accessories without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the climbing wall uses preset fixed angles, then the structure is simple and stable, but the variety of climbing experiences and exercise options is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The incline adjustment mechanism allows the wall to change its angle dynamically, enabling multiple climbing experiences and exercise options while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the incline angle parameter of the climbing wall to provide different climbing experiences. By adjusting the angle between the climbing surface and the support surface, the system offers varied exercise intensities and climbing difficulties without requiring multiple separate structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the climbing wall is designed for inclined positions, then climbing variety is improved, but the storage space and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall system dynamically changes its configuration between inclined and vertical positions. When not in use, the wall returns to a vertical storage position that minimizes footprint, while during use it transitions to inclined positions that provide climbing variety. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the conflict between functionality and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing wall serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at various inclines for different climbing exercises and then returned to a vertical storage position. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to provide both climbing variety and space efficiency at different times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the climbing wall allows continuous angle adjustment, then the customization of climbing experience is maximized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator enables continuous dynamic adjustment of the incline angle, allowing users to customize their climbing experience. The mechanical linkage and hinged connections translate the actuator's linear motion into angular positioning, providing smooth continuous adjustment without requiring complex digital control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies angle adjustment. Instead of requiring direct manual manipulation of multiple joints and connections, the actuator provides a single controlled input that automatically adjusts the entire incline mechanism through mechanical advantage and linkage geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an adjustable-incline climbing wall. The climbing wall comprises one or more climbing panels supported by a frame and a system for adjusting the incline of the frame to provide a climbing wall of a desired incline. The incline of the climbing wall may be adjusted by activating an actuator, which extends the upper portion of the frame a distance from a support wall, tilting the climbing wall to a desired incline. When the climbing wall is substantially vertically oriented, the system for adjusting the incline of the climbing wall may extend only a small distance from the support wall so that the adjustable-incline climbing wall has a relatively small footprint. In some embodiments, the climbing wall may also comprise one or more fitness accessories that can brought to an optimal height for a particular user through adjustment of the climbing wall incline.