Body Weight Support System Using Biasing Cords

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapeutic and physical training systems for weight unloading are often uncomfortable, require high ceilings, are expensive, and fail to accurately dampen vertical forces like walking or running, making them inaccessible and ineffective for most individuals.

Innovation Solution

A body weight support system comprising a frame assembly with adjustable bars, biasing cords, and a harness mechanism that suspends a user's weight over an exercise machine, allowing for adjustable lifting forces through the femoral head axis, providing comfort and affordability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a stationary or mobile frame spans a treadmill over the head with a belt anchored by straps through the groin region or thighs, then weight support is achieved, but comfort is reduced and the system becomes cumbersome requiring high ceiling spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support forceVSAvoidcomfort and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into separate vertical posts positioned at the front and rear of the treadmill, with independent horizontal bars that can be adjusted. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single high ceiling space while maintaining weight support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a vertical overhead span to a configuration where horizontal bars extend forward and backward from vertical posts at treadmill level. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the high ceiling requirement while preserving the lifting force function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If expensive air pressure chambers are used to enclose body portions for unweighting, then weight support is achieved, but cost increases making it unaffordable for most individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support forceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive air pressure chambers with simple, inexpensive components: elastic cords, horizontal bars, and vertical posts. These basic mechanical elements achieve the same weight support function at a fraction of the cost, making the system accessible to most individuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex pneumatic system is replaced with a simple mechanical system using elastic cords and gravity-based vertical posts. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive air pressure regulation while maintaining the weight unloading function through elastic potential energy storage and release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the belt is anchored by straps extending through the groin region or bottom of thighs, then upward sliding is prevented, but comfort is reduced and the system becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt position stabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The uncomfortable groin and thigh straps are completely removed from the system. Instead, the support belt is anchored at the waist, and the lifting force is applied directly through the hips, eliminating the need for straps in sensitive areas while maintaining positional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than preventing belt upward sliding through restrictive straps at the groin or thighs, the system inverts the approach by applying the lifting force directly at the hips through the biasing cords, naturally counteracting gravitational pull without requiring restrictive anchoring straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system effectively reduces weight-bearing stress, allowing for natural biomechanical movements while exercising, enhancing comfort, accessibility, and reducing injury risk, making it suitable for therapeutic and training purposes without the need for expensive equipment.

Implementation Method 1

biasing cords connectable to the first bar and the second bar such that the biasing cord is suspendable between the first bar and the second bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the suspension of the biasing cord between the front horizontal member and the rear horizontal member biases the leg apparel upward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9370680B1Body weight support system for therapeutic and physical training, and method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 LIGHTSPEED RUNNING & REHABILITATION SYSTEM LLC

AI summary

A body weight support system for use with an exercise machine, the body weight support system comprising a frame assembly, a biasing cord connectable that is suspendable from the frame assembly, and a harness mechanism connectable to the biasing cord and wearable by a user to generate a lifting force that extends through a femoral head axis of motion of the user.