Adjustable Exercise Bench with Fulcrum Guide Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment lacks sufficient support and adjustability to effectively reduce strain and enhance stability during strength training exercises, particularly for planks, sit-ups, and push-ups, limiting user ability to vary tension levels and difficulty.
Innovation Solution
The exercise equipment consists of a bench area with a body support pad attached to a guide arm via a fulcrum, a head area with a safety pad and handlebars, and a foot area with a T-bar, all connected to a base, allowing for adjustable tension through a force component and enabling counterbalancing and improved posture during exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing exercise equipment is used, then basic exercise functionality is provided, but user support and stability are insufficient during strength training exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment is divided into distinct functional segments: a base structure, an adjustable bench area with body support pad, a head area with safety pad and handlebars, and a foot area with T-bar. Each segment independently provides specific support functions, allowing the system to deliver comprehensive stability without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment integrates multiple exercise functions into a single apparatus. The bench area supports various body positions, the guide arm provides resistance for multiple exercise types, the safety pad protects during static exercises, and the T-bar enables closed chain exercises. This multi-functionality delivers enhanced user support without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed tension equipment is used, then simple structure is maintained, but user ability to vary tension levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The force component is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify the tension levels by repositioning the force component along the guide arm or adjusting its engagement point. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same equipment structure to provide varied resistance levels suitable for different user ability levels and exercise difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment enables parameter changes in tension force through the adjustable force component. By changing the position or configuration of the force component, the resistance parameter can be varied to match different user strengths and exercise requirements, maintaining adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-tension machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bench area is raised relative to floor, then range of motion and muscle activation are improved, but equipment height and storage difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bench area is positioned at a raised height to optimize range of motion and muscle activation during exercises. This elevated position allows for greater amplitude movements and engages additional muscle groups. The raised configuration is maintained during use to provide the mechanical advantage and exercise benefits described.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment structure is segmented into a raised bench area supported by the base, with the head and foot areas extending from it. This segmentation allows the bench to be positioned at the optimal height for exercise performance while the base and support structures can be designed for compact storage when not in use.
4Stability of the object's composition
If guide arm is added to prevent back sagging, then exercise form stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide arm acts as an intermediary element between the bench area and the user's body. It provides the necessary support to prevent back sagging during exercises by applying gentle resistance or support force through its connection to the bench area. This intermediary structure delivers form stability without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arm provides counterbalancing support to prevent back sagging by applying an opposing force to the user's body weight during exercises. This counterweight effect stabilizes the user's posture and maintains proper exercise form without requiring active user correction.
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
The equipment provides enhanced support and stability, allowing for varied resistance levels and correct posture, activating additional muscle groups and facilitating efficient and effective exercises with reduced strain, while being foldable for convenient storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a force component that stores energy to counterbalance the user during certain static exercises
Implementation Method 2
a guide arm, a head area, a foot area and a base... The bench area comprises a body support pad and is attached to the guide arm at a fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to exercise equipment, particularly for improved strength training exercises. More particularly, the invention relates to equipment that allows the user to vary tension when performing different exercises. The present invention is specifically designed for improved exercise through the variability of a tension component for use in such exercises as the plank exercise, sit-ups, push-ups and supine pull-ups that includes a bench area, a guide arm, a head area, and a foot area that work in conjunction to most optimally support the user. The bench area, the head area and the foot area are all connected, supported, and elevated from the floor by a base.