Cable Exercise Device with One-Way Spool and Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable exercise devices lack portability, compactness, and versatility in providing adjustable resistance for various exercises, often requiring bulky equipment and complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact cable exercise device featuring a force resistance assembly with a one-way cable spool that locks during resistance and freely moves during winding, combined with adjustable friction control and magnetic braking, allowing for versatile exercise implementations and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable exercise devices use fixed resistance mechanisms, then they provide stable force resistance, but they lack adjustability for different exercise intensities and user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The friction controller allows users to dynamically change the friction level on the pulley system, enabling resistance adjustment from minimal to high intensity. This transforms a static resistance system into a dynamic one that adapts to different exercise requirements and user strength levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable exercise devices incorporate multiple resistance adjustment mechanisms, then they provide versatile resistance control, but they increase device complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single friction-based resistance system that serves multiple functions. The same friction controller and pulley mechanism work for various cable exercises including chest presses, lat pulldowns, and shoulder presses. This multi-functional approach provides exercise versatility without requiring separate resistance mechanisms for each exercise type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the resistance control function into the existing cable pulley system through friction control. Instead of adding separate resistance mechanisms, the friction controller is integrated with the pulley assembly, combining structure and function. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining resistance adjustability.
3Weight of moving object
If exercise devices are designed for portability, then they can be easily stored and transported, but they may compromise on resistance strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using friction as a controllable resistance parameter instead of fixed mechanical advantage systems. The friction controller allows adjustment of the friction coefficient to vary resistance levels, enabling a compact device to provide sufficient force resistance for different user strengths and exercise intensities without requiring heavy counterweights or large pulley systems.
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 portable, versatile, and adjustable resistance for a range of exercises, providing smooth, uniform resistance and easy storage, enhancing user convenience and workout variety.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable friction controller adapted for frictionally engaging the disk rotor
Implementation Method 2
The one-way cable spool is locked to the assembly shaft upon rotation of the cable spool in a working force-resistance direction
Implementation Method 3
a cable rewind spring operatively attached to the one-way cable spool, and is adapted for normally urging rotation of the cable spool in the cable-wind-up direction
Data Source
AI summary
A cable exercise device includes a vertically movable weight stack, a rotatable spool assembly, first and second cables, and a movable exercise implement. The rotatable spool assembly is located proximate the weight stack, and comprises spaced apart large and small cable spools affixed to a common rotatable spool shaft. The first cable has a terminal end attached to the weight stack and a winding end attached to the small cable spool. The second cable has a winding end attached to the large cable spool, and extends from the large cable spool to a terminal end. The movable exercise implement is secured to the cable exercise device by the terminal end of the second cable, and is adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.