Adjustable Center of Mass Balance Trainer with Ball-and-Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment lacks versatility and adjustability to accommodate different user skill levels and exercise preferences, particularly in core muscle training, and does not effectively simulate rowing motions or provide adequate stability for various user positions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode exercise apparatus with a planar platform and ballast assembly that adjusts its center of mass, coupled with a ball-and-socket joint system, allowing for pivot and rotation, and an articulating arm assembly with multiple operational modes, including a kayak rowing simulation, to engage core muscles and accommodate various user positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-center-of-mass platform is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different user skill levels and exercise preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The platform transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by allowing the center of mass to be adjusted vertically through a movable ballast assembly. This enables the same platform to adapt to different user skill levels and exercise preferences without requiring multiple different platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the ballast assembly to adjust the center of mass location. By moving the ballast assembly vertically along the support assembly, the platform can provide different resistance characteristics and stability levels to accommodate varying user needs.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added for mounting/dismounting, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a separate, removable component that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This allows the platform to maintain simplicity during normal operation while providing enhanced stability when the locking mechanism is activated for mounting or dismounting operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center of mass is lowered below the pivot point, then stability is improved, but the range of motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the center of mass position relative to the pivot point based on operational needs. During exercise operations, the ballast assembly can be positioned to optimize range of motion, while during mounting/dismounting operations, it can be positioned to maximize stability through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform operates in periodic cycles between exercise mode (higher center of mass for greater range of motion) and mounting/dismounting mode (lower center of mass with locking mechanism engaged for maximum stability). The ballast assembly position and locking mechanism state are adjusted periodically according to the operational phase.
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 apparatus provides adjustable resistance and multiple exercise modes, enhancing user engagement and safety by allowing for customizable workouts and stable user positioning, effectively targeting core muscles and simulating rowing motions.
Implementation Method 1
a ballast assembly that lowers its center of mass below a ball-and-socket joint
Implementation Method 2
the planar platform may couple to a support assembly through the ball and socket joint to pivot and rotate relative to the support assembly
Implementation Method 3
uses his or her core muscles to articulate the seat on the ball-and-socket joint against the resistance provided by, for instance, weights mounted on distal portions of the arm assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a balance exercise training equipment having a planar platform with a ballast assembly that lowers its center of mass below a ball-and-socket joint. In an illustrative example, the planar platform may couple to a support assembly through the ball and socket joint to pivot and rotate relative to the support assembly. The ballast assembly may include laterally extending members to releasably receive and retain ballast plates. In response to the laterally extending members receiving and retaining ballast plates, the center of mass may descend below a pivot point of the ball-and-socket joint. In a mount or dismount mode, a locking mechanism may lock the planar platform in a predetermined position to facilitate mounting and dismounting onto the planar platform. Advantageously, a user may adjust the center of mass in accordance with a user's skill level or exercise preference.