Movable Spring Anchor Bar with Integrated Carriage Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reformer exercise apparatuses are difficult and unsafe for single-hand operation, especially under high spring loads, due to the disengagement of the carriage stop surface from the anchor bar when the spring bar is lifted too high.
Innovation Solution
A movable spring anchor bar with integrated carriage stop assembly featuring elongated stop members perpendicular to the anchor bar, secured to the frame, and a movable means of engagement that allows rotation and parallel movement, ensuring stable and safe relocation of the anchor bar without the need for stop pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the anchor bar is lifted too high during adjustment, then the carriage stop surface may be disengaged from contact with the carriage, but this causes unsafe operation especially under high spring loads
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The movable means of engagement enables the stop member to move parallel to itself and rotate, maintaining continuous contact with the carriage stop surface during anchor bar adjustment while preventing disengagement under spring loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable means of engagement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the anchor bar and the carriage stop surface. This intermediary component ensures that the stop member maintains reliable contact with the carriage while allowing the anchor bar to be adjusted, mediating the interaction to prevent disengagement.
2Reliability
If conventional stop pins are used to prevent carriage movement, then the carriage is constrained, but the apparatus becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the stop function with the anchor bar assembly by integrating the stop member into the anchor bar structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate stop pins and associated mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable carriage positioning through the integrated stop member.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor bar assembly is given multiple functions: it serves as both the spring anchor and the carriage stop mechanism. The stop member is movable and can be engaged or disengaged as needed, allowing the same component to perform both anchoring and stopping functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor bar is made movable for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability during relocation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is designed with controlled mobility, allowing it to move parallel to itself and rotate during anchor bar relocation. This dynamic capability enables smooth adjustment while the movable means of engagement ensures the stop member returns to its proper engagement position, maintaining stability during and after relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable means of engagement is designed to guide and control the movement of the stop member during anchor bar relocation. This pre-designed guidance mechanism ensures that the stop member maintains proper engagement with the carriage stop surface throughout the adjustment process, preventing instability or misalignment.
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 provides improved stability and smooth operation during anchor bar relocation, ensuring safe and easy single-hand adjustment of the exercise apparatus, even under high spring loads, by maintaining the carriage stop surface engagement with the anchor bar.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members connected between the foot end and the carriage to elastically bias the carriage toward the foot end of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises a movable carriage having a generally flat top surface, the carriage being movably mounted on parallel track members of a frame having a head end and a foot end, the carriage having a pair of shoulder stops mounted thereto and plurality of elastic members connected between the foot end and the carriage to elastically bias the carriage toward the foot end of the frame. The apparatus has a movable spring anchor bar and carriage stop assembly comprising an anchor bar with at least one elongated stop member arranged perpendicular to and secured to the anchor bar, the stop member having a carriage stop surface located towards the end of the stop member remote from the anchor bar and the stop member further comprising at least one movable means of engagement with the frame of the exercise apparatus. The anchor bar and stop assembly may easily be moved and readjusted one handed with safety and smooth operation.