Dual-Upright Climbing Exercise Machine for Stable Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing exercise machines suffer from instability, lack of movability, safety concerns, and require frequent maintenance due to single central tracks, hydraulic resistance mechanisms, and complex components, which affect their usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A climbing exercise machine design featuring two uprights with handles and foot pedals mounted on separate reciprocating slides and linear rails, interconnected by belts and an axle, allowing for a continuous vertical climbing motion, and optionally including electronic devices for digital content and adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single central track is used to interconnect handles and foot pedals, then the machine structure is simplified, but the machine becomes unstable and less movable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single central track into separate tracks for handles and foot pedals. Each handle is mounted on a separate track, and each foot pedal is mounted on a separate track, eliminating the instability caused by the single central track while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single central track (one-dimensional arrangement) to multiple separate tracks arranged in different spatial dimensions. The handles move along upper tracks while foot pedals move along lower tracks, creating a multi-dimensional structure that improves stability without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic resistance mechanisms are used, then adjustable resistance is achieved, but the system becomes prone to leaks and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic resistance mechanism with a magnetic resistance mechanism. Magnets are positioned near a rotating flywheel, creating magnetic drag that provides resistance without physical contact. This eliminates hydraulic fluid leaks while maintaining adjustable resistance through magnetic field strength control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for hydraulic systems by using magnetic fields for resistance. The magnetic resistance mechanism uses electromagnetic fields instead of hydraulic fluid, removing the reliability issues associated with hydraulic leaks and maintenance.
3Device complexity
If handles and foot pedals are mounted on a singular carriage, then the machine structure is simplified, but natural-gait climbing motion is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the mounting of handles and foot pedals from a single carriage structure. Each handle is mounted on its own carriage that moves independently on its track, and each foot pedal is mounted on its own carriage that moves independently on its track. This allows natural-gait climbing motion where hands and feet can move independently and asynchronously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where handle carriages and foot pedal carriages can move independently along their respective tracks. This dynamic separation allows users to perform natural climbing motions with asynchronous hand and foot movements, rather than being constrained by a rigid singular carriage structure.
4Ease of operation
If reciprocating linear motion cables and pulleys are used for perimetrical linkage, then handle and foot pedal connection is achieved, but the machine requires complex resistance mechanisms and becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical cable and pulley linkage system with a simplified direct track-mounted carriage system. Handles and foot pedals are mounted on carriages that slide directly on their respective tracks, eliminating the need for reciprocating cables, pulleys, and associated resistance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex cable and pulley linkage components from the system. By using direct track-mounted carriages, the patent eliminates the intermediary cable and pulley mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure and improving reliability.
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
Enhances stability, movability, and safety while reducing maintenance needs, providing a more natural climbing experience with adjustable resistance and digital content integration.
Implementation Method 1
four reciprocating, self-lubricating slides; each handle and each foot pedal is mounted to a separate one of the reciprocating, self-lubricating slides
Implementation Method 2
at least two belts; the reciprocating, self-lubricating slides of each assembly are mounted on the linear rail of the assembly and interconnected by the at least one belt of the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine creates a simulated continuous resisted climbing motion. The machine includes a floor- or ground-contacting base frame and two or more substantially vertically oriented uprights, wherein at least one upright is rigidly connected to the base frame. The machine further includes two handles and two foot pedals, each handle and each foot pedal being movably engaged with an upright for linear reciprocating motion along the upright. The handles and foot pedals are interconnected so that they move concurrently. An adjustable resistance mechanism may be operatively connected to the interconnection of the handles and foot pedals to provide adjustable resistance for the simulated continuous climbing motion.