Arched Weight Mechanism for Quiet Resistance Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weight lifting machines face issues with resistance adjustment complexity, noise, wear, and safety due to the use of selector pins and weight stacks, which can lead to misalignment, injury risks, and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A weight lifting device with a housing frame and pivoting weight system that uses an arched member with adjustable apertures for resistance selection, eliminating the need for external pins and reducing pinch points, allowing for smooth and quiet operation with easy resistance adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional weight stacks with selector pins are used, then weight resistance can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and maintenance costs increase due to misalignment and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight resistance adjustmentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex selector pin mechanism and weight stack assembly from conventional exercise machines. Instead, it integrates a simplified counterweight system directly into the machine frame that automatically balances the moving parts, eliminating the need for separate weight selection hardware while maintaining adaptability through programmable resistance control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical selector pin and weight stack system with an automated control system. The counterweight mechanism works in conjunction with electronic controls to provide resistance adjustment without physical pin insertion or weight plate changes, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving resistance variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If selector pins and weight stacks are used, then resistance can be varied, but noise increases and safety decreases due to pinch points and injury risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance variationVSAvoidnoise and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses safety hazards by eliminating pinch points associated with weight stacks and selector pins. The integrated counterweight system is enclosed within the machine frame, removing exposed moving parts that could cause injury. Noise from weight plate collisions is eliminated by using a balanced counterweight mechanism that operates smoothly without impact loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the noisy and hazardous weight stack assembly and selector pin mechanisms from the exercise machine. The counterweight system is integrated into the frame structure, eliminating separate weight plates that can collide and create noise, as well as removing exposed pinch points that pose safety risks to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional weight stacks are used, then weight selection is possible, but ease of operation decreases due to complexity of adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight selection capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process of inserting selector pins into weight stacks with an automated control system. Users can adjust resistance through electronic controls or programming, eliminating the need to physically manipulate pins and weight plates, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining full resistance selection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated counterweight system automatically balances the moving parts of the exercise machine, eliminating the need for manual intervention to select and adjust weights. The system self-regulates to provide the appropriate resistance level based on programmed settings, making operation easier while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a safe, quiet, and easily tunable workout experience by minimizing noise and injury risks while reducing maintenance costs through a compact design that allows for precise resistance adjustments without the need for complex pulley systems.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded pin positioned at the first end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

which communicates variable lifting force from mechanical advantage to the underlying weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10960253B2Exercise weight selection device and method

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A resistance component configured for imparting a resistive force to a connected exercise component is provided. The device includes a frame pivotally supporting a selection arm which has a weight operatively connected to the selection arm by a pin arm. The weight imparts a force resisting rotation of the selection arm by a flexible member engaged with the exercise component. Adjusting the engagement of one end of the pin arm to an arched engagement path along the selection arm adjusts mechanical advantage and the resistive force.