Exercise Machine Add-On Weight Panel for Compact 5-Lb Increments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight stack exercise machines lack an easy and space-efficient mechanism to add intermediate weights in smaller increments, such as 5 lbs, to the total weight being lifted.
Innovation Solution
An add-on weight selection system with a vertical pole, rollers, and a hand lever allows users to easily switch between engaged and disengaged positions, adding incremental weights by rotating an add-on weight panel that hooks onto the weight stack projection, enabling 5 lb increments without increasing bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smaller weight increments (e.g., 5 lbs) are added to the weight stack, then weight adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on weight panel is nested behind the weight stack, utilizing the existing vertical space without requiring additional lateral or vertical volume. This allows the system to add intermediate weight increments while maintaining a compact footprint and avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on weight panel acts as an intermediary component between the user and the weight stack. It provides intermediate weight increments (e.g., 5 lbs) by engaging with the projection on the weight plate, enabling precise weight adjustments without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If an add-on weight system is added to provide intermediate weight increments, then weight adjustment precision is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on weight panel is nested behind the weight stack, utilizing the existing vertical space without requiring additional lateral or vertical volume. This allows the system to add intermediate weight increments while maintaining a compact footprint.
3Measurement precision
If a bulky mechanism is used to add intermediate weights, then weight adjustment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on weight panel is designed to be dynamically engaged or disengaged from the weight stack through a simple switching mechanism. This allows users to easily add or remove intermediate weights by moving the panel between engaged and disengaged positions, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on weight panel acts as an intermediary component between the user and the weight stack. It provides intermediate weight increments (e.g., 5 lbs) by engaging with the projection on the weight plate, enabling precise weight adjustments without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a simple switching mechanism is used to engage/disengage the add-on weight panel, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism uses a curved or rounded projection that fits into a corresponding notch on the add-on weight panel. This curved geometry provides automatic self-alignment and secure engagement, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining simple operation through the switching mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on weight selection system for an exercise machine having an add-on weight panel configured to be lifted together with a selected number of stacked weight plates; and an add-on weight selection mechanism for moving the add-on weight panel between: an engaged position such that the add-on weight panel engages with the weight plates to be lifted and is lifted together with the selected weight plates, and a disengaged position such that the add-on weight panel disengages with the weight plates to be lifted and is not lifted together with the selected weight plates.