Doorway Exercise Apparatus with Collapsible Frame and Inverted Foot Rests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing doorway-mounted exercise apparatuses are limited in the variety of exercises they can perform, lack resistance options, are not collapsible for storage, and do not allow for hanging upside-down exercises without leg hooks.
Innovation Solution
A doorway-mounted exercise apparatus that utilizes the space in and behind the doorway, includes a resistance set, is collapsible, and features foot rests for inverted exercises, with adjustable components to accommodate different door orientations and provide assistance or resistance during workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus is made collapsible for storage, then storage convenience is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple collapsible components including the frame structure, resistance set, and foot rests that can be independently folded or detached. The frame includes telescopic members and hinged joints that allow segmentation into compact sections for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic elements such as collapsible bars, movable pulleys, and adjustable connections that transition between operational and stored states. The frame members can be swung or folded into position, and the resistance set can be collapsed alongside the frame, enabling the structure to adapt between functional complexity and storage simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus utilizes space behind the doorway, then exercise versatility is improved, but door jamb stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance set acts as a counterweight mechanism that can be positioned to offset forces applied to the door jambs. By strategically placing the resistance set and adjusting its position, the apparatus creates balancing forces that reduce net stress on the door jamb structure while still allowing versatile exercise movements in the space behind the doorway.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus distributes loads across multiple spatial dimensions by utilizing both front and rear sides of the doorjamb for mounting and support. The frame structure extends in three-dimensional space, with mounting points and support elements distributed across different planes, thereby spreading the mechanical stress over a larger volumetric region rather than concentrating it at single points.
3Productivity
If the apparatus provides resistance set, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance set is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: providing resistance for pulling exercises, assisting with body weight exercises, and potentially serving as a counterweight mechanism. The same resistance set structure can be configured for different exercise types by adjusting cable routing and pulley positions, eliminating the need for separate resistance mechanisms for different exercise functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance set is merged with the frame structure through integrated mounting mechanisms and shared structural elements. The pulleys, cables, and resistance weights are combined into a unified system that shares structural support and mounting functions with the main frame, reducing the need for separate dedicated resistance set components and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus provides foot rests for inverted exercises, then exercise versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot rests are designed as multi-functional elements that support both inverted exercises and serve as structural support points for the frame. The same foot rest structure provides anchoring points for the frame, support for inverted body positions, and potential attachment points for resistance cables, eliminating the need for separate dedicated foot rest components and minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 a wide range of concentric and eccentric exercises, reduces stress on door jambs, allows for exercises while hanging upside down without leg hooks, and provides adjustable resistance and assistance, maximizing space utilization and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
pulley means mounted on one of said at least one upper horizontal support bars and pulley means mounted on said lower horizontal support bar; so that a cable attached at one end to the resistance set and at an opposite end to the body attachment point can selectively be passed over one of the upper pulley means and over the lower pulley means to extend upwardly from the body attachment point and downwardly from the body attachment point, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A doorway mounted body exercise apparatus has upper and lower horizontal bars bridging the doorway and carrying respective pulleys and, a rearwardly protruding weight set supporting arm which can be swung between either lateral side to the rear of the doorway to accommodate left and right hand hinged doors and can be retracted into the doorway to permit the door to be completely closed while still mounted. Different cabling arrangements enable the weight set to be used as a counter weight for body weight assistance or additional resistance. An upper frame carrying the upper bar is collapsible for removal and storage or to enable a person to walk through the doorway. The lower bar is hinged at one end to the jamb for swinging up against the jamb so as not to obstruct the doorway when not in use. Footpads on the upper frame enable exercising while hanging upside down.