Workout Machine Deck Fulcrum Resistance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workout machines require extensive assembly and adjustment to change resistance levels, and lack integration with smart devices to track user movements and calculate resistance based on body weight, limiting versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable workout machine with a movable deck and built-in lifting gear assembly using a spiral mechanism and graduated spooling, combined with a user's smart device to adjust resistance by changing body position, allowing the app to calculate resistance percentage based on user location and body weight, eliminating the need for external weight adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional workout machines use fixed resistance mechanisms with external weight adjustments, then resistance levels can be changed, but the machine requires extensive assembly and adjustment, reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The user's own body weight serves as the resistance source, eliminating the need for external weights. By positioning themselves at different locations on the deck, users automatically adjust the resistance level based on their body position relative to the fulcrum, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating complex weight change procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance parameter is dynamically changed by altering the user's position on the deck rather than changing physical weights. The lever arm length changes as the user moves forward or backward, automatically adjusting the resistance percentage from 10% to 90% of body weight without any mechanical intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If workout machines incorporate multiple resistance levels through physical adjustments, then resistance can be varied, but the machine becomes less portable and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The single deck structure serves multiple functions: it is both the exercise platform and the resistance adjustment mechanism. The same deck that the user stands on also functions as the lever arm for resistance variation, eliminating the need for separate weight stacks or resistance mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the resistance function from traditional external weight components and integrates it into the user's own body weight. By removing external weights and using the user's body as the resistance source, the machine becomes significantly lighter and more portable while maintaining full resistance variability
3Measurement precision
If smart devices are integrated into the workout machine to track movements and calculate resistance, then workout tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A smartphone or tablet serves as an intermediary device between the user and the workout machine. The device's accelerometer detects deck movements and communicates with an app that calculates resistance based on the user's position and movement data, providing precise tracking without requiring electronic sensors to be built into the machine itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical sensors and electronic resistance calculation systems with a software-based solution running on a smartphone. The accelerometer in the mobile device mechanically detects movements, and the app performs all resistance calculations, eliminating the need for dedicated electronic measurement systems in the machine
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
Enables easy resistance adjustments without leaving the machine, providing infinite resistance levels and integrating with smart devices for tracking and social interaction, enhancing the workout experience with minimal components and cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting gear assembly operationally uses a cable via a pulley to a lifting handle... a spiral lifting mechanism and a graduated spooling mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The variable fulcrum concept allows the user to lift a different percentage of her own weight at different locations on the workout machine. When the user stands closer to a front of the deck, the user is effectively creating a longer lever relative to such fulcrum
Implementation Method 3
Prior known smart devices, such as iPhone® devices, tablets, and pads, have accelerometers that can sense and measure pitch, movement, and angles of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A workout machine adapted to be used with a smart device with built-in accelerometers and an app. It has a deck movable relative to its base and a lifting gear assembly operationally using a cable via a pulley to a lifting handle. A user location pivot arm is fixed to the deck, and a screen stand extends from the deck, where the user location pivot arm and screen stand are pivotably attached to a screen platform that can hold the smart device during a workout. The user's position on the deck can indicate the resistance of the exercise based on a percentage of the user's own weight as lifted with each repetition. The fulcrum concept combined with a user location feature allow an app of the smart device to support and analyze a workout.