Climber Exercise Machine Pivotable Frame Belt Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climbing exercise machines have limitations such as synchronized movement requirements, frequent maintenance needs due to chain-driven mechanisms, and fixed inclination settings, which do not accommodate individual user preferences or needs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A climber exercise machine with a pivotable frame, adjustable angle, and independent motion ranges for handles and pedals facilitated by belt drive mechanisms, along with computer-controlled resistance and interchangeable components, allowing for customizable workouts and user-specific settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chain-driven mechanisms are used to drive handles and pedals, then synchronized movement is achieved, but frequent maintenance and repair needs occur due to lubrication issues and chain breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance frequencyVSAvoidoperation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the chain-driven mechanism entirely from the system, extracting the problematic synchronized movement function to be achieved through direct mechanical connection and geometric constraints of the four-bar linkage, thereby eliminating lubrication requirements and maintenance needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chain-driven mechanical transmission system with a direct four-bar linkage mechanism where the cranks and couplings directly transmit motion without intermediate chains, eliminating the need for lubrication and reducing maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If handles and pedals are fixed to a central frame with synchronized movement, then structural stability is maintained, but user customization and alternate movement routines are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidmovement pattern flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adjustable crank lengths and interchangeable coupling components that allow users to modify the movement patterns and ranges of motion while maintaining the overall structural stability of the four-bar linkage framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the frame and linkage system to support multiple movement configurations through adjustable parameters and interchangeable parts, allowing the same stable structure to accommodate various exercise routines and user preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single permanent inclination setting is provided for the frame, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user-specific exercise needs cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe manufacturing complexityVSAvoidinclination customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an adjustable frame inclination mechanism that allows users to change the frame angle relative to the base, transforming a static manufacturing solution into a dynamic, user-adjustable system while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized adjustment components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If chain and gear lubrication is increased to reduce resistance variation, then movement smoothness improves, but smell generation and dirt attraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement resistance uniformityVSAvoidlubrication byproducts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely removes the lubrication system by eliminating chains and gears, extracting the motion transmission function to be achieved through direct mechanical linkage, thereby eliminating all lubrication byproducts including smell and dirt attraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the chain-and-gear mechanical transmission system with a direct four-bar linkage system that requires no lubrication, replacing a system prone to contamination with one that is inherently clean and maintenance-free

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11484750B2Climber exercise machine

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 ETYMOLOGY LLC

AI summary

Climber exercise machine comprises a frame connected to a base through a base connection, the frame pivotable about the base connection. A right handle and a left handle are connected to respective right and left sides of the frame, the right handle moving within a first range of motion, the left handle moving within a second range of motion. A right pedal and a left pedal are connected to the respective right and left sides of the frame, the right pedal moving within a third range of motion, the left pedal moving within a forth range of motion. The right handle, the left handle, the right pedal, and the left pedal movable generally in the same plane. An angle between the frame and a plane parallel to an underside of the base is adjustable while the climber exercise machine is mounted by a user.