Compact Core Exercise Device with Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current abdominal exercise devices fail to simultaneously contract all core muscles in one action, lack adjustable resistance, and often require multiple exercises and extensive movements, leading to inefficient muscle strengthening and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact exercise device that combines three core resistance exercises – direct resistance to front abdominals, angular resistance crunch, and lateral pull – with adjustable resistance units up to 150 pounds, and an electronic personal trainer for guided workouts, allowing for a comprehensive core and upper body workout in under four minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate abdominal machines or exercises are used to target all core muscles, then comprehensive muscle coverage is improved, but device complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple abdominal exercise functions into a single integrated machine that can perform crunches, sit-ups, and back extensions simultaneously. The device integrates multiple resistance mechanisms and exercise positions that traditionally required separate machines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive core muscle coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The abdominal machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform various core exercises including crunches, sit-ups, back extensions, and lateral pulls. The device can be adjusted to target different abdominal muscle groups and can accommodate users of different skill levels, providing universal applicability for comprehensive core workouts
2Speed
If fast movements are used in abdominal exercises, then exercise speed is improved, but muscle strengthening effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine incorporates adjustable resistance mechanisms that allow users to dynamically control the intensity and speed of exercises. The resistance can be modified to slow down movements for maximum muscle engagement, or increased for faster, more intense workouts, thereby allowing users to optimize between speed and strength training based on their goals
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive movements are performed to target all abdominal groups, then muscle coverage is improved, but injury risk and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with specific engagement points and resistance application locations that target different abdominal muscle groups locally. By applying resistance at optimal anatomical points and using localized movement patterns rather than extensive full-body movements, the machine achieves comprehensive muscle coverage while minimizing stress on joints and reducing injury risk
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
An exercise apparatus is described herein. The exercise apparatus can have a body forming a first yoke. The first yoke includes a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough and a first slide member is positioned in the first channel. The first slide member is slidable therein in a reciprocating manner and has an abdominal engagement end extending from the channel. The exercise apparatus can further include a second yoke pivotally attached to the body and has a second longitudinal channel extending therethrough. A second slide member is positioned in the second channel and is slidable therein in a reciprocating manner. The second slide member has an upper body engagement end extending from the second channel. The exercise apparatus can include a vibration unit operable to cause all or portions of the exercise apparatus to vibrate.