Adjustable Leg Pad Assembly for Squat Exercise Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional squat exercise machines cause stress on knees and back due to fixed movement patterns and unnatural positioning, leading to common issues like knee and back pain, especially when using heavier weights.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with an adjustable leg pad assembly and handlebar system that allows for customizable positioning to accommodate different users, featuring rotatable and vertically adjustable roller pads and handlebars to support the legs and maintain balance, reducing strain on the knees and back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional squat machines use fixed movement patterns and stabilized weight, then the machine provides guided range of motion, but it creates stress on knees and back causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the leg pad assembly adjustable in multiple positions (vertically and horizontally) and allowing it to move with the user's legs during the squat exercise. This transforms the fixed support structure into a dynamic one that adapts to the user's movement, reducing stress on knees and back while maintaining guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the leg pad assembly by providing adjustability in vertical position, horizontal position, and angle orientation. These parameter changes allow the support structure to be customized for different users and exercise phases, eliminating the harmful fixed pattern while maintaining beneficial guidance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional machines force the user into fixed movement patterns, then the machine provides structured exercise guidance, but it causes unnatural movement and loses user balance
Solution Approach 1:
The leg pad assembly is designed to move dynamically with the user's legs during the squat motion rather than forcing a fixed path. This dynamic adjustment maintains natural movement patterns while providing ongoing guidance, preventing balance loss that occurs with rigid fixed-pattern machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support function into multiple adjustable leg pad members that can independently position themselves along the user's legs. This segmentation allows each part to provide guidance where needed while accommodating natural movement variations, thereby maintaining user balance.
3Force
If conventional squat machines place shearing loads on the user's knees, then the machine provides resistance for muscle strengthening, but it causes knee pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the leg pad assembly (vertical position, horizontal position, angle) to optimize the distribution of forces during the squat. This parameter adjustment allows the machine to maintain necessary resistance for muscle strengthening while redistributing loads to eliminate harmful shearing forces on the knees.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable leg pad assembly acts as an intermediary between the user's legs and the machine's resistance system. It mediates the force transmission by providing controlled support that maintains resistance for muscle building while preventing direct shearing loads on the knee joints.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional machines make the user rest directly against the machine, then the machine provides stable support, but it creates back stress especially with heavier weights
Solution Approach 1:
The leg pad assembly is designed to move dynamically with the user's legs rather than requiring the user to rest directly against a fixed machine structure. This dynamic support maintains stability while reducing back stress by allowing natural movement without excessive rigid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support at specific locations along the user's legs through adjustable leg pads, rather than requiring general back contact with the machine. This localized support maintains stability where needed while eliminating unnecessary back stress from direct machine contact.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine is provided for a user performing squats. A base supports the exercise machine, and an upright member having a free end and an attachment end is mounted to the base at the attachment end and configured to be straddled by the user. A leg pad assembly is adjustably attached to the upright member for vertically adjusting a height of the leg pad assembly. The leg pad assembly has a first leg pad member extending horizontally relative to the upright member and configured to engage a back of the user's legs. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively releasably securing the leg pad assembly in a desired position on the upright member.