Ejecting Pin for Descending Weight Stack Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selectorized resistance training equipment requires manual adjustment or external assistance to reduce resistance during exercise, leading to inefficiencies and increased rest periods, as the resistance remains static until manually changed.
Innovation Solution
A Selectorized Weight Stack Ejecting Pin that secures resistance when inserted and automatically releases due to mechanical friction, allowing for rapid and controlled descending resistance changes without manual manipulation or additional personnel, using a trigger latch and biasing means to store and release energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment or external assistance is used to reduce resistance during exercise, then resistance can be changed, but rest periods increase and exercise efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecting pin system enables the resistance mechanism to automatically reduce its own load without external assistance. The pin self-ejects from the selected weight stack position when the trainee completes the movement, allowing the resistance to be automatically reduced for the next repetition without requiring the trainee to stop, dismount, or seek assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejecting pin is pre-positioned below the selected weight stack position and automatically engages to hold the pin in place during the concentric phase. This preliminary positioning allows the resistance to be maintained at the selected level throughout the lifting phase, then automatically reduced during the eccentric phase without requiring real-time manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistance remains static throughout the movement, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but muscle fiber stimulation is limited at momentary failure
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecting pin mechanism extracts only the essential function of automatic resistance reduction from the overall equipment system. Rather than redesigning the entire resistance selection system, the invention adds a simple pin ejection mechanism that works with existing selectorized equipment, maintaining compatibility while enabling dynamic resistance adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an assistant is used to provide assistance and reduce load, then muscle fiber stimulation is improved, but additional personnel and coordination are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecting pin system enables the resistance mechanism to automatically reduce its own load without external assistance. The pin self-ejects from the selected weight stack position when the trainee completes the movement, allowing the resistance to be automatically reduced for the next repetition without requiring the trainee to stop, dismount, or seek assistance.
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 seamless continuation of exercises with varying resistance levels, reducing rest periods and enhancing muscle fiber stimulation by allowing quick adjustments during training sessions without modifying the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled biasing means, a spring, of sufficient power able to eject the shaft from the selection
Implementation Method 2
Vertical movement of the weight stack will immediately impose a friction load on the pin shaft and release the trigger latch
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, portable weight stack selector pin for use with exercise equipment commonly known as selectorized weight equipment. This invention will allow the user to pre-select multiple resistances to be used in a controlled descending resistance sequence without the need for the trainee to dismount said equipment to reposition the selector pin or pins during the exercise.