Connected Strength Machine With Adjustable Pull-Point Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connected fitness systems lack the ability to provide a versatile and safe platform for strength training with adjustable resistance and interactive features that enhance user engagement and safety.

Innovation Solution

A strength machine with a platform that includes a digital weight system, motor-based resistance mechanism, track mechanisms for adjustable cable pull points, and interactive features such as handles and sensors to monitor and control user movements, providing a customizable and safe workout experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a strength machine uses fixed resistance mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different strength training exercises is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different strength training exercisesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strength machine employs dynamically adjustable resistance mechanisms where cable positions can be changed along tracks during operation. This allows the machine to adapt to different exercise requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strength machine is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The platform supports various cable positions and configurations, allowing a single machine to perform multiple strength training exercises, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a strength machine includes multiple adjustable components and interactive features, then user engagement and safety are enhanced, but the ease of operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strength machine incorporates sensors and control systems that automatically monitor user movements and adjust resistance levels. This self-service capability enhances safety by continuously monitoring exercise form and providing feedback, while reducing the operational burden on the user despite the presence of multiple adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The machine includes feedback mechanisms through sensors and interactive displays that provide real-time information about user performance. This feedback system helps users operate the complex machine safely by guiding them through proper exercise execution and alerting them to potential safety issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If cable pull points are made adjustable along tracks, then the versatility for different exercise configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different exercise configurationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable support structure is segmented into discrete positions along the tracks, allowing cables to be positioned at specific intervals. This segmentation provides versatility for different exercise configurations while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and manageable, rather than requiring continuous adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4313324B1Connected fitness systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 PELOTON INTERACTIVE INC
  • EP4313324B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4313324B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4313324B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A platform-based strength machine enables users to perform strength or lifting activities or exercises via moveable or configurable pull points. The strength machine can include tracks that facilitate the configuring of the positions of the pull points, handles that control operation of the strength machine and/or measure movements performed by a user, compact motors that facilitate various platform or load application configurations, safety systems for the strength machine, and other enhancements.