Adjustable Exercise Machine Rail System Using Modular Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines with movable structures on tracks face design constraints due to the need for different rail dimensions to accommodate various exerciser sizes and space considerations, making it challenging to manufacture machines that can efficiently adapt to multiple configurations without altering the overall machine design.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine design incorporates a system with a first and second rail, a carriage, and spacers that extend between the rails, allowing for adjustable rail dimensions by using spacers that can extend along varying lengths of the rails, creating a monorail configuration that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different exerciser sizes and spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different rail dimensions are used to accommodate various exerciser sizes and space considerations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is divided into modular segments that can be selectively assembled. The carriage includes separate wheel assemblies that can engage with different rail configurations, allowing the same carriage to operate on various rail dimensions without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is designed with universal engagement mechanisms that can interface with multiple rail types and dimensions. The wheel assemblies and mounting structures are configured to accommodate different rail widths and lengths, enabling a single carriage design to function across various exercise machine configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rail dimensions are customized for different exercisers and spaces, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular components that can be mass-produced and then assembled in different configurations. The carriage, wheels, and rail segments are manufactured as separate standard units, allowing efficient production followed by flexible assembly to meet specific dimensional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter adjustments through selective component assembly rather than custom manufacturing. By changing which standard components are combined and their arrangement, different rail dimensions are achieved without requiring custom production for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail system for an exercise machine which may be efficiently manufactured with different dimensions to suit different exercisers and exercise spaces. An exemplary embodiment includes a first rail, a second rail, a carriage movably connected to the first and second rails, at least one biasing member or elongated member adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to the carriage, and one or more spacers extending between the first and second rails. A lower member is connected between the rails beneath the spacers so as to enclose the space between the rails. The lower member includes a plurality of dividers defining channels in which elongated members or biasing members may extend. The spacers, rails, and lower member form a monorail configuration. The effective width of the monorail may be easily adjusted by simply using spacers having different widths, thus easing the manufacture of such exercise machines having different sizes.