Elastic Weight-Set Exercise Device with Quick Resistance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices using elastic resistance struggle with varying resistance levels, as they require swapping elastic members, which is time-consuming and does not accurately simulate the constant resistive force of weight sets, limiting cardiovascular stress and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a frame, anchor, and carriage system that allows users to selectively affix elastic members with different resistances using weight modules and pivotable latches, enabling quick adjustment and combination of resistances, simulating a constant resistive force similar to weight sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If elastic members are used for resistance, then the device becomes lighter and less expensive, but resistance variation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into multiple discrete elastic members with different resistance levels. Each elastic member can be independently selected and attached to the carriage, allowing users to achieve resistance variation by combining different members rather than swapping entire resistance units.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is designed with universal attachment mechanisms (pockets, notches, or receptacles) that can accommodate multiple types of elastic members. This multi-functional design allows the same carriage to work with various elastic members of different resistances, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each resistance level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members are swapped to vary resistance, then different resistance levels are achieved, but exercise continuity is interrupted and cardiovascular stress decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple elastic members are merged into a single integrated resistance system attached to the carriage. Users can combine multiple members simultaneously on the same carriage, eliminating the need to swap members during exercise and maintaining continuous resistance throughout the workout.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired combination of elastic members is prepared and attached to the carriage before exercise begins. This preliminary configuration allows users to select and adjust resistance levels in advance, eliminating interruptions during the actual exercise routine and maintaining continuous cardiovascular stress.
3Device complexity
If elastic members are used, then the device is simpler and cheaper, but resistance simulation of weight sets is inaccurate due to dynamic force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the dynamic nature of elastic resistance by providing multiple elastic members with different resistance parameters (different elasticities). Users can select and combine members to achieve a target resistance level that more closely simulates constant weight resistance, adjusting the combination based on the desired exercise intensity and type.
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
Provides the flexibility and range of resistance selection similar to weight-set devices while maintaining the lightness and cost-effectiveness of elastic resistance devices, allowing users to easily select and alter resistance levels, including high resistance options.
Implementation Method 1
elongated elastic members (108) which each have a fixed elastic member end (108f) which is fixed with respect to the frame (102), and a motive elastic member end (108m) configured to selectively affix to the carriage (106)... providing the carriage (106) with some user-defined degree of elastic resistance when the carriage (106) is urged toward its tensioned position
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device provides elastic members which extend from an anchor to a movable carriage, such that a user can move the carriage in opposition to the resistance of the elastic members to perform exercise. The elastic members are preferably removably attached to both the anchor and the carriage so that they can be removed and replaced with elastic members having different resistances. Attachment at the carriage is preferably achieved via weight modules situated between the members and the carriage, with the elastic members being removably attached to the weight modules, and the weight modules having latches which affix to the carriage. The carriage may be actuated by a user via a pulley system which decreases the amount of carriage travel, thereby reducing the stretch in the elastic members so that they provide less variation in the effective force/weight experienced by the user.