Cable Crossover Arm Pivot Mechanism for Lateral Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable crossover exercise apparatuses face limitations in range of motion, cable entanglement, momentum-induced force fluctuations, and binding issues due to fixed cable lengths and arm orientations, which restrict the effectiveness of workouts.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features pivotally mounted arm assemblies with adjustable mounting brackets and a pulley system that allows for upward, downward, and lateral movement, preventing entanglement and maintaining consistent cable tension across various positions, enhancing user mobility and workout flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the weight stack height is increased to extend cable length, then the effective useful length of cable is improved, but the cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arm assembly movable rather than fixed. The arm assembly can pivot about a vertical axis and move between different positions (first position with cable at first height, second position with cable at second height), dynamically adjusting the cable path and effective length without requiring a taller weight stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding lateral movement capability to the arm assembly through pivoting about a vertical axis. This allows the cable to be redirected laterally, effectively changing the cable's spatial path and usable length without vertically extending the weight stack structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the arm assembly is fixed in orientation, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the range of user motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to pivot about a vertical axis and assume different orientations. This dynamic capability enables users to perform exercises with various arm movements and positions, significantly increasing the range of motion while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through a single pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm assembly serves multiple functions: it supports cable attachment, provides lateral positioning, enables different exercise angles, and accommodates various user positions. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is made longer to accommodate greater arm movement, then the range of motion is improved, but the cable may catch or bind on frame and support arms
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly's ability to pivot and move laterally dynamically adjusts the cable's path of travel. By changing the arm's position, the cable is redirected away from potential binding points on the frame and support arms, maintaining smooth cable operation throughout the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm assembly acts as an intermediary that mediates between the fixed weight stack and the user's hands. It provides a flexible connection point that can adjust its position to optimize cable routing, preventing the cable from contacting and binding on structural components.
4Ease of operation
If the mounting bracket is fixed to the base portion, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the cable length changes when support arms move, causing handles to dangle excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket assembly is made dynamic by allowing it to pivot about a vertical axis. When the support arms move during exercise, the mounting bracket pivots accordingly, maintaining a consistent relative position between the cable attachment point and the handle. This prevents excessive dangling and keeps the handle at an ergonomic position throughout the range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes a support structure having a base portion, the support structure housing a resistance assembly (e.g., including a weight stack). At least one arm assembly is mounted to the support structure. Each of the one or more arm assemblies includes: (i) an elongate member, and (ii) a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly is pivotally mounted to the elongate member and also pivotally mounted to the support structure at a location spaced apart from the base portion of the support structure. One pivot mount allows the elongate member to pivot up and down, while the other pivot mount allows the mounting bracket assembly (and thus the arm assembly) to pivot in and out (i.e., laterally). At least one cable extends from the resistance assembly to the at least one arm assembly.