Exercise Machine Handle System with Continuous Perimeter Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional exercise machines often have handle positions that are not optimized for various body sizes, leading to reduced accessibility and usability of gripping surfaces due to the need for multiple connectors, which can limit hand access and stability during exercises.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine handle system with a perimeter handle forming a continuous loop around the exercise carriage and front and back platform handles that minimize the number of connectors needed, maximizing gripping surfaces by strategically positioning and connecting these handles to the machine with a limited number of attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple connectors are used to mount handles to the exercise machine, then the handles can be securely attached at various positions, but the number of unusable portions of the handles increases, reducing the gripping surfaces available to exercisers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary connector support structures from beneath the handle, extracting only the essential mounting function while eliminating the obstructive elements. This allows the handle to extend continuously without interruptions for support brackets, maximizing the gripping surface area while maintaining secure attachment at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to extend into the space above the carriage platform, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than being constrained to horizontal mounting only. This three-dimensional positioning allows the handle to provide gripping surfaces at multiple heights and angles, increasing accessibility for exercisers with different body sizes while requiring fewer connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handles are positioned to accommodate various body sizes, then accessibility is improved, but the number of connectors and support structures increases, creating more unusable portions
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it provides gripping surfaces at various heights, supports exercisers of different body sizes, and attaches to the machine with minimal connectors. The continuous loop configuration allows any section of the handle to be gripped, making it adaptable to diverse user needs without requiring multiple specialized handles or connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle positioning system allows the carriage platform to move dynamically during exercise, and the handle moves with it while maintaining its functional configuration. This dynamic capability enables the handle to remain accessible and useful throughout the full range of motion, accommodating different body sizes and exercise positions without requiring additional fixed connectors.
3Reliability
If connectors are positioned to provide stable support, then the handles remain secure during exercise, but they create unusable portions that limit hand access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies connector support structures only at specific critical locations beneath the handle where structural attachment is necessary, rather than providing continuous support. This localized approach maintains handle stability at mounting points while leaving the majority of the handle surface free and accessible for gripping, effectively resolving the conflict between stability and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine handle system for providing a gripping structure that substantially surrounds a stationary or movable exercise platform. The exercise machine handle system generally includes a stationary or movable exercise platform and a perimeter handle surrounding the exercise platform. A space is formed between an outer edge of the exercise platform and an inner edge of the perimeter handle that allows a plurality of fingers of an exerciser to extend through.