Exercise Resistance Brake With Spool Valve and Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise resistance devices for machines with reciprocating motion require manual adjustments, occupy excessive space, and pose fluid leak risks, particularly with hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A closed fluid flow system with a spool valve and heat exchanger, allowing for manual and remote resistance adjustments, heat dissipation, and containment of fluid leaks, using a drive and driven gear to pump fluid through a closed circuit with a spool valve maintaining heat exchanger communication regardless of gear direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear hydraulic brakes are used, then resistance control is achieved, but the device requires more space and requires two adjustments (one for each cylinder)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate hydraulic cylinders into a single integrated brake assembly with a common fluid reservoir and shared adjustment mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustments on each cylinder and reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining dual-cylinder braking capability through a unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both hydraulic cylinders. The universal adjustment lever or valve system can regulate resistance for both sides of the exercise machine, eliminating the need for separate adjustment procedures and simplifying user operation.
2Reliability
If linear hydraulic brakes are used, then resistance control is achieved, but fluid leaks may drip on user's floor or carpet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an oil catch tray or drip pan as part of the brake assembly housing that captures and contains any fluid leaks internally. This converts the potential harmful effect of fluid leakage onto the floor into a contained issue that can be easily managed through routine maintenance draining, protecting the user environment from fluid damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes pre-installed sealing components, gaskets, and containment structures that prevent fluid leaks before they can reach the floor. The housing is designed with integrated drip trays and sealed compartments that cushion against the harmful effects of potential leaks, ensuring fluid is contained within the device boundaries.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used, then resistance control is achieved, but the user must get off the machine to make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adjustment mechanism to be accessible and operable while the user remains seated or positioned on the exercise machine. The adjustment lever, knob, or control interface is positioned within easy reach of the user, allowing them to self-adjust resistance levels without needing to dismount or seek external assistance, thus maintaining continuous workout flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment controls are pre-positioned in optimal locations that allow users to make resistance changes during natural pauses in exercise or between repetitions. The mechanism is designed to be operable with minimal effort and time, anticipating user needs and enabling quick adjustments without interrupting the workout routine significantly.
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 adjustable resistance control, efficient heat dissipation, and containment of fluid leaks, enhancing user convenience and safety while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an external gear pump
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger for dissipating heat generating by the exercise resistance device
Implementation Method 3
a spool valve movable to maintain the heat exchanger and flow control valve in fluid communication with the high pressure fluid flow passageway regardless of the rotational direction of the drive gear and driven gear
Implementation Method 4
a flow control valve... Adjustment of the flow control valve adjusts the speed/resistance of the exercise machine
Implementation Method 5
A drive gear and a driven gear may be operatively connected to the reciprocating members of the exercise machine. Reciprocal movement of the reciprocating members alternately rotates the drive gear and driven gear
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise resistance device operably connected to reciprocating members of an exercise machines may include a closed fluid flow system enclosed in an inner housing. Reciprocal movement of the reciprocating members alternately rotates a drive gear and driven gear in clockwise and counterclockwise directions pumping fluid from a low pressure fluid passagewayway into a high pressure fluid passagewayway of the closed fluid flow system. A spool valve is movable to maintain a heat exchanger and flow control valve in fluid communication with the high pressure fluid flow passageway regardless of the rotation direction of the drive gear and driven gear. Adjustment of a flow control valve adjusts the speed/resistance of the exercise machine. An outer housing partially enclosing the inner housing provides containment of fluid leaks.