Adjustable Resistance Exercise Apparatus with Guide Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment lacks versatility in allowing users to easily adjust tension levels for different exercises, providing insufficient support for various body weight resistive exercises like planks, sit-ups, and push-ups, and fails to effectively measure and verify workout progress, especially in military, police, and fire training applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular exercise system with a core support, guide arm, head support, and foot support, featuring telescopic attachments and a force component that allows for adjustable resistance and counterbalance, enabling users to perform a range of exercises with varying difficulty levels while maintaining proper posture and reducing neuromuscular shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exercise equipment provides fixed tension for body weight resistive exercises, then the equipment structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust tension levels for different exercises or ability levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic tensioning system where the force component can be adjusted between multiple preset tension levels. The guide arm moves dynamically through different positions, and the force component transitions between engaged and disengaged states to provide variable resistance. This allows the same equipment to adapt to different user ability levels and exercise requirements without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tension parameter by engaging or disengaging the force component at different positions along the guide arm's path. The system provides multiple preset tension levels by selectively positioning the force component to engage at specific points, thereby changing the resistance parameter without altering the fundamental equipment structure.
2Ease of operation
If exercise equipment provides support for multiple types of exercises, then the equipment is versatile, but the user cannot easily transition between different exercise positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into distinct components: a head support portion with head rest and hand grips, a body support portion, and a foot support portion. Each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted. The guide arm connects these segments and can be rapidly repositioned between exercises by moving along its defined path, enabling quick transitions without reconfiguring the entire equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal support structure where the same guide arm and force component serve multiple exercise functions. The head support, body support, and foot support are integrated into a single system that can accommodate various body weight resistive exercises including push-ups, planks, sit-ups, and pull-ups, eliminating the need for separate equipment for each exercise type.
3Reliability
If exercise equipment is designed for commercial-grade durability, then the equipment is reliable, but the equipment becomes heavy and difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support functions from a traditional commercial-grade exercise machine by using a minimal frame structure. Rather than over-engineering the entire system for maximum durability, the design takes out only the critical load-bearing elements (main frame, guide arm, force component) and optimizes them for strength-to-weight ratio, while non-critical components use lighter materials and simpler constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction methods combining different materials with optimal properties for each component. The frame uses materials balanced for strength and weight, while support surfaces use cushioned materials for comfort. This composite approach maintains commercial-grade reliability where needed while reducing overall equipment weight for easier relocation.
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
The system provides efficient and safe performance of exercises with adjustable resistance, promoting muscle engagement and quick progression through fatigue, allowing for effective measurement and verification of workout progress, and facilitating efficient muscle development with minimal equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a force component, such as a spring, gas spring, elastic cord or other force producing mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a force component, such as a spring, gas spring, elastic cord or other force producing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A piece of exercise equipment particularly for improved strength training exercises. More particularly, the invention relates to equipment that allows the user to vary tension when performing different exercises. The present invention is specifically designed for improved exercise through the variability of a tension component for use in such exercises as the plank exercise, sit-ups, push-ups and supine pull-ups that includes a core support, a guide arm, a head support, and a foot support that work in conjunction to most optimally support the user. The core support, the head support and the foot support are all connected, supported, and elevated from the floor by a central support system.