Adjustable Pulley Locking Mechanism for Stable Load Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pulley exercise machines lack effective mechanisms to restrict vertical movement of the pulley during dynamic operation, leading to potential instability and safety issues under high stress loads.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable pulley system with a pull pin and lock mechanism that engages with engagement holes on a vertical post, allowing for controlled vertical movement and maintaining engagement even under stress, combined with a secondary stop to prevent uncontrolled downward motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pulley is made freely movable on the vertical post, then ease of adjustment is improved, but stability under load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidstability under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pulley system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position through the pull pin mechanism. The pull pin allows the pulley to be easily moved to different engagement holes for adjustment, then locked in place to provide stability during operation. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and stability under load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pull pin acts as an intermediary element between the pulley and the vertical post. It enables easy adjustment by allowing the pulley to slide freely during movement, then provides stability by engaging with engagement holes to lock the pulley in position during operation. The pull pin mediates between the conflicting requirements of mobility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the pull pin is made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidreliability of engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism serves as an intermediary that enhances the pull pin's functionality. It allows the pull pin to remain easily removable for adjustment while ensuring reliable engagement during operation. The lock prevents accidental disengagement by requiring a deliberate action to release, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and reliability of engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism performs a preliminary action by engaging with the pull pin before operation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that the pull pin remains securely engaged during the exercise operation, preventing accidental disengagement while still allowing easy removal when needed for adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If vertical movement is unrestricted, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidsafety under stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from unrestricted movement to controlled movement through the engagement hole mechanism. During adjustment, the pulley can move freely to different positions. During operation, the engagement holes provide discrete locked positions that prevent dangerous uncontrolled movement while maintaining ease of adjustment to various predetermined positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement holes provide predetermined safe positions for the pulley before operation begins. By establishing these predefined positions in advance, the system prevents dangerous uncontrolled movement during operation while still allowing easy adjustment to various safe positions. The secondary stop also provides a safety cushion by limiting the maximum downward travel of the pulley.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the lock mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is a simple intermediary element that enhances reliability without significantly complicating the overall system. It consists of basic components that engage with the pull pin to prevent accidental disengagement. The simplicity of the lock mechanism design minimizes the increase in device complexity while providing substantial reliability improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10940357B2Apparatus, system, and method for pulley exercise equipment improvement

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 CORE HEALTH & FITNESS LLC

AI summary

An exercise machine including a vertical post and an adjustable pulley. The vertical post includes a plurality of engagement holes. The adjustable pulley is slideably connected to the vertical post. The adjustable pulley includes a pull pin and a lock. The pull pin is selectively engageable with one of the plurality of engagement holes. In response to the pull pin being engaged with an engagement hole, movement of the adjustable pulley relative to the vertical post is restricted. The lock is selectively engageable with the pull pin. In response to the lock being engaged with the pull pin, movement of the pull pin is restricted.