Resistance Selector Mechanism for Safe On-the-Fly Exercise Load Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional resistance exercise machines require manual attachment and detachment of bias members during exercises, disrupting class flow and consuming valuable time, and do not allow for resistance adjustment while the platform is moving.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a resistance selector system featuring slide switches or actuators that engage or disengage resistance springs automatically, allowing manual or remote control, and ensuring resistance changes only at the starting point of the exercise cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual attachment and detachment of bias members is used during exercises, then resistance adjustment is possible, but class flow is disrupted and valuable time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the exercise platform to automatically engage and disengage bias members through its own movement cycle. The platform's reciprocating motion between forward and reverse directions automatically triggers the attachment and detachment of bias members at the appropriate endpoints, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous exercise flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions bias members in a ready state at the endpoints of the exercise platform's travel range. Before the platform reaches the attachment point, the bias members are already positioned and ready to be engaged, allowing seamless resistance application without interrupting the exercise rhythm
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistance force is changed manually during exercise, then adaptability is improved, but safety is compromised due to sudden resistance changes during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies resistance changes at specific localized positions (the endpoints of the platform's travel range) rather than allowing changes anywhere during the exercise. The bias members are only engaged or disengaged when the platform is at the forward or reverse endpoint, ensuring that resistance transitions occur at safe, controlled locations rather than during the motion phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the platform's position at the endpoints as an intermediary condition that mediates between the desire for resistance adjustment and safety requirements. The engagement/detachment mechanism acts as an intermediary device that only permits resistance changes when the platform is in the safe endpoint position, preventing sudden resistance changes during active movement
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
Facilitates seamless resistance adjustments without interrupting exercises, enhancing class efficiency and exerciser safety by preventing sudden resistance changes during movement.
Implementation Method 1
bias members which typically comprise a plurality of extension springs that are each removably attachable between the movable platform and the stationary structure of the machine
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine with resistance selector system for selecting the number of bias members applying a resistance force against a movable platform. The exercise machine with resistance selector system generally includes one or more switches which are connected to the movable platform. Each of the one or more switches is adapted to engage or disengage a corresponding latch. When engaged, the latch will connect a corresponding bias member to the movable platform. When disengaged, the latch will disconnect a corresponding bias member from the movable platform. In this manner, an exerciser may easily adjust the number of bias members connected to the movable platform so as to adjust the resistance force applied against movement of the movable platform along a rail.