Counterweighted Planche Trainer for Guided Progressive Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performing a planche exercise requires high balance and strength, which is difficult for the average person due to the need for engaging proper musculature and skeletal leverages, and existing apparatuses do not effectively assist in practicing or measuring progression.
Innovation Solution
An assisted planche exercise apparatus using a counterweight and pulley system to support a user's weight, allowing for guided practice of the planche movement and position, with adjustable counterweights to simulate the planche at a fraction of bodyweight, and measure progressive strength and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a user performs an unassisted planche, then the user develops full body strength and balance, but the exercise is too difficult for the average person due to high strength and balance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight system with adjustable weights that directly opposes and reduces the user's body weight during planche exercises. This allows users to perform planche movements with only a fraction of their actual body weight, making the exercise accessible to average persons while still developing full-body strength and proper musculature engagement
2Ease of operation
If existing apparatuses are used to assist planche practice, then some weight support is provided, but they do not effectively guide the user or measure progression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measurement mechanisms that track and quantify user progression in planche exercises. The system provides feedback on strength development and movement quality, allowing users to precisely measure their advancement and adjust training parameters accordingly, something existing apparatuses fail to deliver
3Ease of operation
If the planche movement is performed without guidance, then the user can practice independently, but the user cannot properly engage muscles and skeletal frame due to lack of knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the apparatus itself as an intermediary that provides mechanical guidance and proprioceptive feedback to the user's body. The device's structure and movement constraints guide proper muscle and skeletal frame engagement, teaching the user correct technique through physical feedback rather than requiring external instruction or complex monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
An assisted planche exercise apparatus includes a frame including a top member that is attached to a first rail structure that guides a slidable first rolling assembly connected by pulley to a variable weight stack; the weight stack providing a counterweight force to the first rolling assembly. The first rolling assembly includes a second extending rail structure positioned approximately parallel to the ground, which guides a slidable second rolling assembly including a foot or leg support structure. The rail structures can include at least one hole capable of releasably receiving reversibly securable pins which limit the range of motion of the slidable rolling assemblies on the rails. The apparatus is designed to simulate the planche position and movement with minimal friction, while supporting a user's bodyweight throughout the planche movement and position. Moreover, the apparatus allows for the precise tracking of progressive overload to accomplish the planche position and movement.