Exercise Machine Cable Return Device and Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional strength exercise machines with flexible cables wound around pulleys face challenges in maintaining initial configuration during use, as the cable joint is complex to make and mount, leading to inconsistent machine operation and increased production time and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a return device that reconnects the cable ends to their initial configuration after each exercise, using a drum with a spring mechanism to ensure the machine returns to a consistent state, simplifying the joint-making process and maintaining operational consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cable ends are joined to form a loop, then the cable path is closed and continuous, but the joint is difficult and complex to make, requiring multiple operations to join steel strands and restore the outer sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable joining operation from the manufacturing process by using a pre-assembled cable loop component. The cable loop is manufactured as a complete unit with pre-formed joints, eliminating the need for complex on-site steel strand joining and sheath restoration operations. This component can be directly installed in the machine configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable ends are joined to form a loop, then the cable path is closed, but the operations for production are complicated and laborious, increasing relative times and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable loop with its joints and configurations is prepared in advance as a complete assembly component. This pre-assembled cable loop is then directly installed in the exercise machine, eliminating time-consuming on-site joining operations and reducing both assembly time and labor costs while maintaining the required cable loop formation.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is wound around pulleys in one direction and then in the opposite direction, then the cable path is established, but the point where the ends join passes from one position to another around the pulleys, causing change in machine configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixed reference point (the cable joint position) that serves as an intermediary marker to define and maintain the initial machine configuration. By establishing this fixed reference point during assembly, the machine configuration becomes stable and reproducible, allowing users to consistently return to the same starting position after each exercise routine without manual reconfiguration.
4Manufacturing precision
If the cable joint is made to maintain evenness and continuity, then cable integrity is preserved, but the joint is difficult to make with proper steel strand joining and sheath restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-fabricated cable loop components with standardized joints that replace complex custom joining operations. These pre-made cable loops are designed as disposable or replaceable components, eliminating the need for skilled steel strand joining and sheath restoration work while maintaining sufficient cable integrity and evenness for the application.
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 exercise machine maintains a consistent initial configuration after each use, simplifies the joint-making process, and reduces production time and costs, ensuring safe, effective, and inexpensive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one return device, to which the ends of the cable are connected, said device designed to return the cable to the initial configuration after an exercise has been performed
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine (1) for developing motor abilities and muscular strength, of the type comprising at least one supporting frame (2), at least one flexible cable (4) wound on a plurality of pulleys (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) rotatably supported by the frame (2) and connected to at least one resistant load (7), at least one grip element (5a; 5b; 5c) connected to the cable (4) and designed to be operated by a user in order to perform an exercise, the machine being characterized in that it comprises at least one return device (14), to which the ends (4′, 4″) of the cable (4) are connected, said return device designed to return the cable (4) to the initial configuration after an exercise has been performed.