Exercise Machine Resistance Adjustment via Carriage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines require exercisers to stop and change equipment or resistance elements to adjust the resistance level, which disrupts the workout flow.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine resistance adjustment system that allows exercisers to incrementally adjust resistance by repositioning their hands or feet on movable projections along the carriage, utilizing Hooke's Law to vary the spring extension and resistance force without interrupting the exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an exerciser changes the number of resistance elements (springs) to adjust resistance level, then the resistance force is changed, but the exerciser must stop exercising and change equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the resistance system dynamic by allowing the exerciser to adjust the number of active springs during exercise through foot placement on the carriage. Different positions of the carriage relative to the springs automatically engage different numbers of springs, enabling real-time resistance adjustment without stopping the workout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the exerciser to self-adjust resistance by simply changing their body position (foot placement) on the carriage. The mechanical design automatically translates this position change into engagement or disengagement of springs, eliminating the need for manual intervention or equipment changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resistance elements are used to provide multiple resistance levels, then the resistance options increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into multiple discrete springs arranged in a sequence along the frame. Each spring can be independently engaged or disengaged based on the carriage position, allowing the system to provide multiple resistance levels using simple, modular components rather than a single complex variable resistance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying resistance through a single spring's mechanical properties (such as coil density or diameter), the patent adds a spatial dimension by arranging multiple springs along the length of the frame. The exerciser selects resistance levels by positioning the carriage at different locations, effectively using position as an additional control dimension.
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 continuous adjustment of resistance levels during workouts without stopping, enhancing workout flexibility and efficiency by allowing exercisers to increase or decrease resistance as needed through body positioning.
Implementation Method 1
Hooke's Law is a principle of physics that states that the force needed to extend a spring by some given distance is proportional to that distance. Therefore, extending the spring further increases the resistance force required to overcome the proportionally higher force, and conversely, reducing the distance that the spring is extended reduces the resistance force required.
Implementation Method 2
a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine resistance adjustment system for providing an exerciser the ability to immediately adjust the resistance force by changing their body position on the movable carriage or end platforms. The exercise machine resistance adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned on the frame, a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage, one or more left projections within the carriage adapted for a left hand of an exerciser to grasp, and one or more right projections within the carriage adapted for a right hand of an exerciser to grasp. The exerciser is able to efficiently adjust the amount of resistance force applied to the carriage by repositioning their hands (or feet) from a first set of projections at a first distance to a second set of projections at a second distance from the first end of the exercise machine.