Collapsible Incline Exercise Device Rail Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inclinable exercise devices lack an effective mechanism for easy folding, which complicates storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The exercise device incorporates a lift-assist mechanism with push-type gas springs, a four-bar linkage, and a rail lock mechanism to facilitate easy folding and unfolding, ensuring stability and safety during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single mounting rail and support post structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be easily folded for storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail is divided into a top rail and a bottom rail that can pivot relative to each other about a second location. This segmentation allows the rail system to be folded into a compact configuration for storage and transportation, while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail lock mechanism dynamically changes the state of the rail connection based on usage conditions. At greater inclines, the mechanism automatically locks the top rail and bottom rail together in linear alignment for stability. At lower inclines, it automatically unlocks to allow folding. This dynamic behavior enables easy folding without permanent structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the strut is hinged at the same location as the top rail and bottom rail, then the structure is simplified, but the strut does not assist in folding
Solution Approach 1:
The lift-assist mechanism acts as an intermediary between the strut and the top rail. It includes a pair of push-type gas springs that work in conjunction with the four-bar linkage to provide mechanical advantage during folding. This intermediary mechanism translates the strut's motion into effective folding assistance without requiring complex direct hinging.
Solution Approach 2:
The first location where the top rail and bottom rail are pivotally coupled is positioned asymmetrically relative to the second location where the strut connects. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the four-bar linkage, creates a mechanical advantage that provides folding assistance. The lift-assist mechanism with gas springs is positioned to optimize the folding motion path.
3Reliability
If automatic locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental toppling, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail lock mechanism is designed to automatically lock and unlock based on the incline angle without requiring external control systems. The mechanism uses the device's own structural geometry and gravity to trigger locking at greater inclines and unlocking at lower inclines. This self-service behavior provides stability without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail lock mechanism is integrated with the existing strut and rail structure. The cam member is operably coupled to the strut, and the locking action is combined with the folding motion path. This merging of functions allows the locking mechanism to provide stability while utilizing the existing structural elements, minimizing additional complexity.
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 solution simplifies the folding and unfolding process, reduces user effort, and maintains structural stability, preventing accidental toppling of the device during use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The lift-assist mechanism includes a pair of push-type gas springs
Implementation Method 2
first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; and one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement
Implementation Method 3
the adjustable incline includes inside tracks and the user support platform includes rollers that rollably couple the user support platform to the adjustable incline along the inside tracks
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline vertically movable with respect to the vertical support member for setting the incline of the adjustable incline, the adjustable incline including a top rail and a bottom rail pivotally coupled to each other at a first location; a strut with a first end and a second end, the first end of the strut being pivotally coupled to the vertical support member and the second end of the strut being pivotally coupled to the adjustable incline at a second location that is not the same as the first location; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; pulleys and one or more cables coupled to the adjustable incline and user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline.