Adjustable User Support Platform for Inclinable Exercise Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inclinable exercise devices often fail to maintain the exerciser's neutral spine position and proper posture, leading to potential safety and functional issues during exercise.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable user support platform with a vertical support member, pivotally connected rails, and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism that allows the support platform to be adjusted to various angles, ensuring the exerciser can maintain neutral spine position and proper posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed support platform is used in inclinable exercise devices, then the device structure is simple, but the exerciser cannot maintain neutral spine position and proper posture during exercise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture maintenance capabilityVSAvoidplatform structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support platform is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one, capable of pivoting and tilting to match the incline angle. This allows the platform to adapt to different exercise positions while maintaining proper posture, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The platform's orientation parameters (angle and position) are made changeable through pivot and tilt mechanisms. By adjusting these parameters to match the incline angle, the platform maintains neutral spine position while accommodating various exercise intensities, thus improving posture maintenance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the support platform is fixed relative to the incline, then the device structure is simple, but the exerciser experiences safety and functional issues during exercise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise safetyVSAvoidplatform adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through pivot and tilt mechanisms that allow real-time adaptation to exercise requirements. This dynamic design ensures safety by maintaining proper posture while managing the complexity through integrated mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The platform's ability to adjust beforehand to the correct angle provides a safety buffer, preventing posture-related injuries before they occur. The mechanical design includes inherent stability features that cushion against improper positioning, enhancing reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single rigid support structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate users with rehabilitation needs requiring specific angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into movable components (pivot mechanism, tilt mechanism) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables adaptability for rehabilitation needs while simplifying manufacturing by using standardized mechanical joints and modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from rigid to dynamic, allowing angle adjustments for different user needs. The pivot and tilt mechanisms provide versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture through proven mechanical designs and straightforward assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables safer and more functional workouts by allowing the exerciser to maintain correct posture, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of exercises, particularly for users with rehabilitation needs.

Implementation Method 1

The inclinable exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

securing, based on user input, the support platform frame with the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2331213B1Method of use of an adjustable user support platform with an inclinable exercise device
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 ENGINEERING FITNESS INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • EP2331213B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2331213B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2331213B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of using an adjustable user support platform with an inclinable exercise device includes providing an adjustable user support platform movably attached to an adjustable incline of the inclinable exercise device for movement of the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline, the adjustable user support platform including a support platform frame with a support platform and a support frame, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; inclining the support platform frame with the support platform relative to the support frame to a desired tilt angle; and securing the support platform frame with the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame.