Exercise Device Resistance Assembly for Foot Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user-defined motion fitness equipment lacks resistance in the fore and aft directions, leading to unpredictable and uncontrollable foot paths, which can frustrate users and increase the risk of injury, while also failing to engage muscles effectively over a large range of motion without applying undesirable impact loads to joints.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a crank system, pivotal linkage pendulum system, and both vertical and horizontal resistance systems, providing variable resistance in the range of 0.2 kg to 6.8 kg in the fore and aft directions to stabilize and engage the user's muscles naturally, while allowing for smooth and varied motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined motion fitness equipment allows free travel in the fore and aft directions, then the user can control the foot path and exercise muscles naturally, but the foot path becomes unpredictable and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing variable resistance that dynamically adjusts based on motion parameters. The resistance system changes its characteristics (magnitude and direction) in response to user motion, transforming the unresisted free travel into controlled resisted motion while preserving natural foot path variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance system incorporates feedback mechanisms that respond to user motion in real-time. The system monitors foot path and motion characteristics, then adjusts resistance forces accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains predictability while allowing adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If user-defined motion fitness equipment provides un-resisted free travel, then the user can move freely in multiple directions, but the exercise becomes less effective and may increase injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system applies preliminary anti-action by providing resistive forces that counterbalance excessive or unpredictable motions before they can lead to injury. The system proactively opposes harmful motion patterns while allowing beneficial natural movements, preventing injury before it occurs rather than reacting afterward.
3Device complexity
If existing equipment provides resistance in only one direction, then the resistance system is simple, but it fails to engage muscles effectively over a large range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional resistance (single direction) to multi-dimensional resistance by adding fore and aft directional resistance components. This dimensional expansion allows the resistance system to engage muscles more effectively throughout the full range of motion while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise device allows unpredictable foot path motion, then the user experiences more freedom of movement, but the exercise becomes frustrating and less safe
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system employs dynamic characteristics that adapt to user motion patterns. By making the resistance forces dynamic rather than static, the system maintains ease of operation through natural feel while providing the adaptability needed for varied foot paths, resolving the contradiction between control and freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and first and second directional resistance systems. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The first and second directional resistance systems are each coupled to the crank system. The first direction is different from the second direction.