Exercise Apparatus With Offset Cable Routing For Unobstructed Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment often limits user movement due to cable interference and instability issues with dual weight stacks, and using elastics results in cumbersome devices with long handles spaced far from connection points.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus featuring an elongate support member with a passage and flexible members, where handles are secured to the ends of these members, allowing for angular grip positioning and reduced interference, with rollers and mounting straps for stability and adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cable is aligned with the handle center, then the device structure is simplified, but the cable interferes with the user's body movement path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the cable connection from a central alignment (1D) to an offset position (2D), allowing the cable to run parallel to the handle rather than through its center. This dimensional change eliminates interference with the user's body while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate weight stacks are used for dual-handle configuration, then each handle can be independently adjusted, but the device becomes unstable due to motion differences between weight stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate weight stacks into a single shared weight stack that serves both handles. This combination maintains independent handle adjustment capability while ensuring both handles are driven by the same resistance source, eliminating stability issues caused by differential motion between separate weight stacks
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastics are used to replace cables and weights, then the device becomes more flexible, but relatively long elastics are required making the device cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the elastic members inside a hollow support member, allowing the elastics to be contained within the support structure rather than extending externally. This nesting arrangement provides the necessary elastic length for flexibility while keeping the device compact and eliminating the cumbersomeness of long external elastics
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 unobstructed user movement and improved stability by allowing free motion of flexible members, providing consistent resistance with adjustable tension and reduced device bulk.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible members may be elastic
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises an elongate support member extending along a length between first and second ends. The rigid member has a passage extending therethrough between the first and second ends. The apparatus further comprises a handle extending between first and second handle ends, the handle having connectors proximate to each of the first and second ends and a grip section therebetween and at least one elongate flexible member extending through the passage of the support member and having end connectors on each end thereof, the at least end connectors being connectable to one of the connectors of the handle.