Exercise Machine Counterbalance Mechanism for Reverse Leg Curl Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with underdeveloped gluteus muscles and hamstrings face difficulties in performing reverse leg curl exercises due to the challenge of overcoming body weight resistance and achieving a proper starting position, necessitating a machine that can assist in counterbalancing body weight.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a pivotable body support assembly, counterbalance assembly, and lifting mechanism that includes a reaction arm with a weight bearing end and a cable and pulley system, allowing users to pivot from a downward to a top position, offsetting body weight and providing upward force to assist in the exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If body weight is used as resistance for reverse leg curl exercise, then the exercise effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of performing the exercise increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance assembly with a reaction arm and weight stack that provides an upward counterbalancing force to offset a portion of the user's body weight. This reduces the effective resistance during the reverse leg curl exercise, making it easier for users with underdeveloped muscles to perform the exercise while still maintaining exercise effectiveness through controlled resistance.
2Ease of operation
If a counterbalance assembly is added to assist users, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction arm assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the body support assembly, acts as a lever arm for the counterbalance mechanism, and enables the pivoting motion required for the reverse leg curl exercise. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the counterbalancing assistance feature.
3Power
If body weight resistance is applied, then the exercise intensity is improved, but the ability to achieve proper starting position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism provides preliminary assistance by helping users achieve the proper starting position before the actual exercise begins. The foot plate and ankle pad assembly, combined with the counterbalance assembly, enable users to easily get into the prone position on the body support assembly without having to overcome full body weight resistance, thus preparing them for the intensified exercise portion.
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 users to perform reverse leg curls with reduced effort by counterbalancing body weight, making the exercise more accessible and effective for those with underdeveloped muscles, while also allowing for adjustable positions to accommodate different user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a cable and pulley system
Implementation Method 2
cable and pulley system
Implementation Method 3
releasing energy from the lifting assist mechanism provides an upward force
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine includes a frame, a pivotable body support assembly, a lifting mechanism in parallel linear engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The lifting mechanism includes a foot plate, an ankle pad, and a foot pad. The lifting mechanism also includes a lifting assist mechanism, such as a spring or gas shock. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. A method of using an exercise machine includes stepping onto the foot plate and securing the back of a user's foot against the ankle pad, releasing the lift assist mechanism, and bringing the foot plate to the toe pad.