Ball Joint Linkage for Multi-Axis Exercise Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment, particularly those using bars, are limited to single-axis movement, posing safety hazards and restricting the range of motion, making them less versatile and safer than desired.
Innovation Solution
A modular exercise device featuring a ball joint linkage that allows 360-degree twisting and free rotation about X and Y-axes, enabling a wider range of motion and safer use by coupling exercise equipment to a base with a ball joint assembly that includes a socket, capture plate, and ball joint arm for enhanced rotational freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-axis bar movement structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball joint mechanism that enables multi-axis rotational movement through spherical geometry. The ball joint allows rotation about multiple axes (X, Y, and Z axes) simultaneously, transforming the single-axis linear movement into three-dimensional multi-directional movement, thereby significantly increasing the range of motion and exercise versatility without requiring complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly incorporates a dynamic ball joint that permits continuous adjustment of movement planes and angles during exercise execution. This dynamic capability allows the bar to adapt to various exercise planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse) and enables users to perform exercises with natural movement patterns, enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple structural components
2Adaptability or versatility
If free weights with Olympic weight bars are used, then movement freedom is increased, but safety hazards increase due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled connecting assembly as an intermediary between the fixed base and the free weights. This intermediate structure provides the necessary control and stability while still allowing multi-directional movement. The ball joint mechanism acts as a mediator that permits freedom of motion in safe, controlled planes while preventing uncontrolled movements that could lead to injury
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is pre-configured with defined movement constraints and guidance structures that establish safe movement boundaries before exercise begins. The ball joint's geometric constraints and the connecting assembly's design预先 determine the permissible movement envelope, ensuring that even during dynamic exercise execution, the movement remains within safe, controlled parameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed single-axis bar structure is used, then the device is stable and easy to control, but the number of achievable exercises is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint's spherical geometry naturally guides movement along three rotational axes while maintaining intuitive control. The curved surfaces and geometric constraints of the ball joint provide tactile feedback and natural movement guidance, making the multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism as easy to control as traditional single-axis bars while enabling vastly more exercise variety
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting assembly designed for use with an exercise device is herein disclosed. The connecting assembly includes a ball joint linkage, a ball, and a ball joint arm. The ball joint linkage is designed to couple to a base. The ball is pivotally mounted in the ball joint linkage, with the ball joint arm extending from the ball and being designed to couple to various types of exercise equipment. The ball permits three degrees of rotational freedom movement of the ball joint arm relative to the ball joint linkage, offering a plethora of diverse exercises while increasing safety of the exercise activity.