Exercise Carriage Resistance Adjustment Without Cable Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines face challenges with changing resistance levels, configuring, and adjusting the machine configuration to accommodate differing exercises, adjusting the absolute rope lengths and the rope, and so on. The exercise machine is designed to be easy to use by providing mechanisms that allow the user to easily change the machine's configuration and make adjustments as the user moves seamlessly from one exercise to another.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine includes a frame assembly with a translating carriage that can be connected to resistance springs, a foot bar that can be tilted, and a resistance adjustment mechanism that automatically relieves tension in the resistance cable when the pedal is in the initial position, allowing for easy adjustment of resistance levels without binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the resistance cable is kept under constant tension to maintain resistance, then the resistance force is maintained, but the resistance adjuster cannot be moved to change resistance levels
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically relieving cable tension when the purchase reaches a predetermined position (end of stroke). This preliminary relief of tension enables the resistance adjuster to be moved freely for adjustment, while maintaining resistance force during the exercise stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: during exercise, the cable is under tension providing resistance force; at the end of stroke, the strain relief engages to relieve tension and permit adjustment. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between maintaining force and enabling adjustability.
2Power
If the resistance cable tension is high to provide effective resistance, then the exercise effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of adjusting resistance levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief mechanism is self-activating based on the purchase position. When the purchase reaches the predetermined position, the strain relief automatically engages to relieve cable tension, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems to enable adjustment.
3Force
If the linkage is made rigid to transmit resistance force efficiently, then the force transmission is improved, but the ability to permit adjustment movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system dynamically changes its mechanical state. During exercise, the linkage is rigid and transmits resistance force efficiently. When the strain relief engages at the predetermined position, the linkage becomes compliant, permitting the resistance adjuster to move freely for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief acts as an intermediary element between the resistance source and the resistance adjuster. It mediates the contradiction by selectively engaging to relieve cable tension, enabling adjustment movement while maintaining force transmission efficiency during exercise.
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 machine allows for seamless transitions between exercises by enabling easy resistance level changes and machine configuration adjustments, enhancing user experience and flexibility in workout routines.
Implementation Method 1
a strain relief coupled to the linkage and operably positioned between the resistance source and the resistance adjuster, when engaged the strain relief selectively reduces the resistance force transmitted through the linkage to the resistance adjuster
Implementation Method 2
a frame assembly with a translating carriage that can be connected to resistance springs
Implementation Method 3
allowing for easy adjustment of resistance levels without binding
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device comprises a frame having a front end and a back end, a carriage that rolls between the front end and the back end of the frame, a jump board assembly having a jump board rotatably attached to a jump board frame, and at least one hinge that permits the jump board frame to rotate between a stowed position beneath the carriage and a deployed position above the carriage. When the jump board frame is in the stowed position, the carriage rolls above the jump board assembly without interference.