Belt-Based Exercise System With Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abdominal exercise devices, such as the Ab Wheel, Ab Slide, and Torso Track, lack adjustability and versatility, making them ineffective for a wide range of exercises like reverse ab rollouts and planks, and often pose safety risks due to inadequate resistance control and limited motion range.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rigid framework with bi-directional rolling belts and a resistance control mechanism that allows for adjustable resistance in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, along with modular and incline-adjustable designs to accommodate various exercises, reducing friction through rollers and low-friction materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed resistance mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different exercise levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance control mechanism where the resistance level changes based on the direction of belt movement. The mechanism includes a resistance member that can be positioned at different locations along the belt path, and a control mechanism that adjusts resistance differently for clockwise versus counter-clockwise rolling directions, allowing the same device to adapt to multiple exercise intensities and types without requiring multiple fixed-resistance devices
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance control mechanism is designed to provide multiple resistance levels and directional control within a single device structure. The system can accommodate both ab rollout and reverse ab rollout exercises by adjusting the resistance applied in different rolling directions, making one device universally applicable to multiple exercise variations that previously required separate equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a limited range of motion is designed, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility for different exercises is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is designed with dynamic range of motion capabilities that allow the belt to roll through different angular ranges depending on the exercise being performed. The framework includes support structures that enable both limited-range ab rollouts and extended-range reverse ab rollouts, adapting the motion range to the specific exercise requirements rather than being fixed to a single range
3Reliability
If high resistance is applied, then the workout effectiveness is improved, but the safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance control mechanism provides feedback-based resistance adjustment where the system responds to the user's rolling direction and force application. The mechanism allows users to safely increase resistance by controlling the belt rolling speed and direction, with the resistance level automatically adjusting based on the exercise phase, enabling users to progress from lower to higher resistance levels as they build strength without sudden safety risks
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
Enables a safer and more effective workout by providing adjustable resistance and a broader range of motion, accommodating multiple exercises including ab rollouts, reverse ab rollouts, and planks, thus enhancing user safety and workout variety.
Implementation Method 1
a first belt configured to roll relative to the framework in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions
Implementation Method 2
a resistance control mechanism for controlling the amount of force required to roll the first and second belts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented for performing exercises to strengthen, e.g., the transversus abdominis and related muscles. The systems and methods may involve one or more independent belts, allowing a full range of continuous motion. The systems and methods may further use a resistance-control mechanism that allows a user to adjust the force required to move the one or more belts, thereby controlling the rate of motion in the forward and/or backward directions. The systems and methods may further use a unidirectional resistance mechanism that allows the user to increase the resistance of the one or more belts in one direction, while allowing the one or more belts to move freely in the other direction.