Counterbalanced Exercise Structure for Microgravity Vibration Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices in vehicles, especially in microgravity environments, generate significant forces and vibrations that can be detrimental to the performance and operation of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A device with a counterbalance mechanism, comprising a first member for supporting a user and a second member with a counterbalance portion, allowing both to slide in opposite directions, which neutralizes forces and vibrations by maintaining a fixed combined center of mass, and includes features like adjustable shoulder pads, biasing means, and dampening members to control movement and reduce transmission of forces to the surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an exercise device is used in a vehicle, then users can perform exercise, but forces and vibrations are transmitted to the vehicle which may be detrimental to its operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalance mechanism comprising a first member supporting the user and a second member with counterbalance portion. These members are operable to slide with respect to each other in opposite directions, creating counterbalancing forces that neutralize the forces and vibrations generated during exercise, preventing transmission to the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the counterbalance mechanism dynamic by allowing both the first member and second member to move relative to each other during operation. The members slide cyclically between positions while maintaining a fixed combined center of mass, enabling the system to adaptively counterbalance varying exercise forces in real-time
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a counterbalance mechanism is added to neutralize forces, then forces and vibrations are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the counterbalance mechanism into distinct separable members: a first member for supporting the user and a second member with counterbalance portion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies assembly, maintenance, and adjustment while achieving the overall force-neutralization function
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the combined center of mass is kept fixed during movement, then forces are further reduced, but the device becomes more complex to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the combined center of mass of the device and user at a fixed position throughout the exercise cycle. By keeping the center of mass stationary, the system creates a balanced state where gravitational and inertial forces are minimized, reducing vibrations transmitted to the vehicle without requiring complex active control systems
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
Effectively mitigates forces and vibrations transmitted to the surroundings, providing a stable workout experience while minimizing disruption to the vehicle's operation, particularly beneficial in microgravity environments like spacecraft.
Implementation Method 1
a second member, attached to the first member, comprising a counterbalance portion; wherein the first member and the second member are each moveable, and operable to slide with respect to each other in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
the combined center of mass of the device and its user remains substantially fixed
Implementation Method 3
dampening members to control movement and reduce transmission of forces to the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a first member for supporting a user; and a second member, attached to the first member, including a counterbalance portion. The first member and the second member are each moveable, and operable to slide with respect to each other in opposite directions, between a first position and a second position. The device can be operable such that between the first and second positions, the combined center of mass of the device and its user remains substantially fixed. This serves to reduce the extent of forces and vibrations generated by use of the device on the object to which the device is located.