Chair exercise apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Pilates chairs, such as the combo chair, have limited versatility due to restricted spring tension between the chair seat and foot support pads/bars, limiting the range of exercises that can be performed without changing coil springs.
Innovation Solution
A chair exercise apparatus with a U-shaped frame, an inverted Y-shaped seat support, and parallel foot support arms, featuring hinged support post members that can be moved from a storage to an operable position, and secured by a clip link and spring-loaded lock knob, allowing for adjustable tension and increased exercise variety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spring tension is limited to one or two springs attached between the chair frame and each foot support arm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability or versatility of exercise tensions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic spring system where multiple coil springs can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the chair frame to the foot support arms. This allows the tension configuration to change dynamically based on exercise requirements, enabling users to adjust the number and arrangement of springs without permanently altering the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is divided into multiple independent coil springs that can be individually attached or detached. Each spring acts as an independent module, allowing selective combination to create different tension levels. The segmentation enables flexible configuration where springs can be arranged in series or parallel combinations to achieve desired tension characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If the anchor configuration is fixed with three different heights at the rear of the combo chair, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability or versatility of exercise types is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal anchor configuration system where the same set of anchor points can serve multiple exercise functions. By providing multiple heights and positions for spring attachment at the rear of the chair, a single configuration system can accommodate various exercise types and user requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated anchor points for each exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor configuration allows dynamic reconfiguration of spring attachment points during different exercises. Users can change which anchor points are engaged based on the specific exercise being performed, enabling the same physical structure to adapt to different functional requirements without permanent modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If coil springs must be changed out to provide different tensions, then the manufacturing precision of spring selection is improved, but the loss of time for spring replacement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable spring system where multiple springs of different tensions can be quickly swapped between engaged and disengaged states. The design allows users to change tension configurations by simply detaching and reattaching springs to different anchor points or to different arms, without requiring complete spring replacement or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coil springs with different tension characteristics are pre-installed on the chair frame in ready-to-use positions. Users can select the desired spring configuration in advance based on the exercise type, and the springs are already positioned for quick engagement, eliminating the need for storage, retrieval, and installation of springs from external sources.
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 apparatus provides a wider range of tensions between the seat and foot supports, enhancing exercise versatility and adaptability without the need to change coil springs, thereby expanding the variety of exercises that can be performed.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded lock knob for clamping a flange portion of the short leg
Implementation Method 2
Each support post member is movable from a storage position below an upper surface of the seat to an operable position extending upward alongside the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A chair exercise apparatus has a frame, an inverted Y shaped seat support member fastened to an upper portion of the frame, a seat fastened to an upper end of the seat support, and a pair of parallel arms each having a proximal end extending toward the frame and a foot support fastened to a distal end of each arm. Each arm is biased upward away from the frame. A pair of hinged support post members is fastened to a mounting bracket captured between the seat and the upper end of the inverted Y shaped seat support and each is movable from a storage position below an upper surface of the seat to an operable position extending upward alongside the seat and each member is releasably captured in the operable position by a clamp formed between the short leg and its end portion of the mounting bracket.