Omni-Directional Grasping Arm With Dampening For Exercise Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses, such as those integrated with treadmills, lack the ability to dynamically adjust and distribute the weight load between the upper and lower body portions effectively, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in workouts, particularly due to the absence of a grasping element with dampening features to manage skeletal loading and joint impact.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus featuring a base, support beam, omni-directional movable joint element, and a grasping arm with a dampening element that allows for variable and controlled movement, enabling users to adjust the load distribution between their upper and lower body portions and providing soft skeletal joint support through viscous dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used in exercise apparatus, then structural stability is improved, but user comfort and adaptability deteriorate due to inability to adjust load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by incorporating an omni-directional movable joint element that allows the grasping arm to move freely in multiple directions while maintaining structural stability. This dynamic configuration enables the support structure to adapt to different user positions and load distributions during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate functional components: a fixed base, a movable joint element, and a grasping arm with dampening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide both stability and adaptability.
2Strength
If a rigid grasping element is used, then structural strength is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to lack of cushioning and joint support
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening element is incorporated into the grasping arm to provide cushioning and reduce impact forces on the user's joints before they occur during exercise. This beforehand cushioning protects the user's skeletal system while maintaining the structural strength needed for effective exercise support.
3Device complexity
If the grasping arm is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust for different exercise intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping arm is made movable through the omni-directional joint element, allowing users to dynamically adjust its position and angle during exercise to match different exercise intensities and personal comfort levels, without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If no dampening element is included, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to excessive impact on skeletal joints
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening element is integrated into the grasping arm to provide impact protection to the user's skeletal joints before excessive forces occur during exercise. This beforehand cushioning reduces harmful impact forces while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
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
This solution enhances user comfort and workout intensity by allowing controlled load distribution and reduced skeletal impact, improving balance and reducing fatigue during leg exercises, while maintaining safety by providing a cushioned feel and adjustable support.
Implementation Method 1
a dampening element that is disposed as between the support beam and the grasping arm, wherein the dampening element is operational to dampen the omnidirectional movement as between the grasping arm and the support beam
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention is an exercise apparatus and method adapted for use with a leg exercising machine, the exercise apparatus including a base, a support beam having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end portion extends from the base. Further included in the exercise apparatus is an omni-directional movable joint element that is disposed adjacent to the distal end portion and a grasping arm, with the grasping arm being received within the omni-directional movable joint element, wherein the grasping arm is operational to have omni-directional movement relative to the support beam. Also included in the exercise apparatus is a dampening element that is disposed between the support beam and the grasping arm, the dampening element is operational to dampen the omnidirectional movement such that an individual using the leg exercising machine can grasp the arm for stability and support for a soft skeletal joint support.