Dual-Resistance Exercise Apparatus With Quick Spring Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses, such as Pilates reformers, face challenges with complex and time-consuming spring attachment/removal processes, safety concerns, limited exercise variety due to variable resistance, and space inefficiency, necessitating separate equipment for different training types.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with dual resistance systems - a first resilient member for variable resistance and a second load-based system for constant resistance, integrated into a compact frame design with pivotable sections and secure mechanisms, allowing for both types of training on a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If springs are connected between carriage and frame to provide variable resistance, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but the attachment and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into separate components: the spring remains attached to the frame while the carriage has separate attachment points. This allows the spring to be segmented from the carriage, enabling quick connection and disconnection without moving the entire spring assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is extracted from the complete carriage assembly and fixed to the frame as a separate element. This extraction allows the spring to remain permanently installed on the frame, eliminating the need to remove and reattach the entire spring during exercise sessions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If springs are connected between carriage and frame, then variable resistance training is enabled, but safety concerns arise due to risk of trapping body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is extracted from the carriage assembly and fixed to the frame structure. This separation removes the spring from the moving carriage area, eliminating the risk of body parts being trapped between the spring and carriage during exercise movements.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable or connecting member acts as an intermediary between the spring and the carriage. This intermediary transmits the resistance force from the spring to the carriage without requiring direct contact between the spring and the user's body parts, reducing trapping risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If exercise apparatus is designed for variable resistance training, then Pilates exercises are supported, but the device takes up large space and limits exercise variety
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise apparatus is designed with multiple resistance systems (variable resistance springs and constant resistance weights) and multiple carriage configurations that can perform different types of exercises. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing the total space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus includes adjustable and reconfigurable components such as carriages that can be positioned at different locations on the frame, and resistance members that can be adjusted or removed. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same physical structure to support various exercise types without requiring additional dedicated equipment for each exercise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment is purchased for different fitness goals, then exercise variety is improved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise apparatus integrates multiple resistance systems (variable resistance springs and constant resistance weights) and supports multiple exercise modalities in a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate equipment purchases for different fitness goals, reducing both the number of devices and the associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines variable resistance training capabilities and constant resistance training capabilities into a single apparatus. By merging these previously separate functions into one device, the system reduces the total number of apparatus needed while maintaining comprehensive fitness goal coverage.
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 versatile exercise options, reducing injury risk and space requirements while allowing for a combination of variable and constant resistance training, enhancing user safety and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member removably connected to at least one of the carriage and/or the frame; wherein displacement of the carriage relative to the frame exerts a tensile force on the resilient member
Implementation Method 2
a load moveably mounted with respect to the frame; wherein the actuation member is configured to displace the load when a force exerted by the user on the actuating member exceeds a predetermined threshold representative of the load; and wherein the force required to displace the load is constant throughout a movement range
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus for assisting a user with a range of exercises, the exercise apparatus comprising: a frame comprising a first section extending in a generally horizontal direction; at least one carriage configured to support a user, wherein the carriage is slidably supported on the first section of the frame; a first resistance system comprising: a first resilient member removably connected to at least one of the carriage and/or the frame; wherein displacement of the carriage relative to the frame exerts a tensile force on the resilient member; and a second resistance system comprising: a load moveably mounted with respect to the frame; and an actuation member connected to the load; wherein the actuation member is configured to displace the load when a force exerted by the user on the actuating member exceeds a predetermined threshold representative of the load.