Dual Variable Resistance Exercise Machine for Agonist-Antagonist Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exercise machines typically require reconfiguration or switching between different machines to work agonist-antagonist muscle groups, which is time-consuming and requires expertise, limiting efficient and safe training of successive muscle groups.

Innovation Solution

An exercise machine with two independently-adjustable variable resistance mechanisms and a user-engaged link allows for fluent transition between agonist and antagonist muscle group exercises by applying tensile and restoring forces, enabling efficient training of muscle groups like biceps and triceps on a single machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If exercise machines are designed to work a particular muscle group, then the machine can effectively target that muscle group, but working another muscle group requires reconfiguration or switching to a different machine which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffective muscle group trainingVSAvoidtime spent moving between machines and reconfiguring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise machine is designed with dual variable resistance mechanisms (first and second mechanisms) that can independently provide resistance for different muscle groups. The machine can function as both a biceps curl machine and a triceps extension machine by switching between the two resistance mechanisms, eliminating the need to move between machines while maintaining effective training for each muscle group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-exercise machines with multiple weight stacks and cabling mechanisms are used, then multiple muscle groups can be worked, but reconfiguration requires time and expertise to properly position and configure the machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work multiple muscle groupsVSAvoidease of machine reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is segmented into two independent variable resistance mechanisms, each dedicated to a specific muscle group (biceps or triceps). This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall operation, as users only need to switch between pre-configured mechanisms rather than reconfiguring a complex multi-functional system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine comes pre-configured with two variable resistance mechanisms already set up for specific muscle groups. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for users to perform complex setup procedures during exercise sessions, as the machine is ready for immediate use with both biceps and triceps training capabilities pre-established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If dedicated muscle-group exercise machines are used, then each machine can be optimized for that muscle group, but time and expertise are required to move to a different machine and configure it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized muscle group trainingVSAvoidtraining efficiency between agonist-antagonist muscle groups

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of separate biceps curl and triceps extension machines into a single integrated machine. By combining two variable resistance mechanisms in one unit, the machine maintains the optimized training capability for each muscle group while eliminating the need to physically move between machines, thereby improving training efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient and safe training of agonist-antagonist muscle groups without the need for machine reconfiguration, allowing users to perform both exercises on a single machine with adjustable resistance, simplifying the workout routine and enhancing muscle group training.

Implementation Method 1

The first line retracts towards the first variable resistance mechanism by a first restoring force of the first variable resistance mechanism when the first tensile force is terminated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRestoring force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second line retracts towards the second variable resistance mechanism by a second restoring force of the second variable resistance mechanism when the second tensile force is terminated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRestoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10744364B2Exercise machine for fluent agonist-antagonist muscle training

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 SMITH III JAMES E

AI summary

An exercise machine is provided for agonist-antagonist muscle training. A first variable resistance mechanism has a first line extending therefrom, a second variable resistance mechanism has a second line extending therefrom, and a user-engaged link is coupled to the first line and second line with the first line, second line, and link being aligned along a common axis. When the user applies a first tensile force to the first line via the link, the first line extends from the first variable resistance mechanism against its resistance force while the second line retracts towards the second variable resistance mechanism under its restoring force. Then, when the user applies a second tensile force to the second line via the link, the second line extends from the second variable resistance mechanism against its resistance force while the first line retracts towards the first variable resistance mechanism under its restoring force.