Fast-Switching Training Device Cable Smith Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitness equipment, such as cable machines and Smith machines, are often expensive, bulky, and occupy large spaces, with counterweights that are difficult to quickly adjust or change.

Innovation Solution

A fast-switching comprehensive training device featuring a main frame with cable and pulley assemblies, a barbell unit, counterweight units, and tension rope units, allowing for quick switching between cable machine and Smith machine exercises by adjusting the position of the cable ends and counterweights through a system of sliding seats, pulleys, and tension ropes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate fitness equipment (cable machine, Smith machine) are used to provide diverse exercise functions, then exercise versatility is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise function versatilityVSAvoidequipment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a cable machine and Smith machine into a single integrated training device. The main frame supports both cable pulley systems and Smith machine components (barbell, guide rods, counterweights), allowing users to perform both cable exercises and Smith machine exercises without needing separate equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining exercise versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main frame is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple exercise functions. It includes cable pulley assemblies for cable exercises, barbell support with guide rods for Smith machine exercises, and adjustable components that can be configured for different exercise types, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to various training needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If counterweight units are made heavy and fixed to provide sufficient resistance, then resistance effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and switching speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance forceVSAvoidcounterweight adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight units are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The guide rods allow counterweights to move vertically along the rod, and the barbell can be positioned at different heights on the guide rods. This dynamic configuration enables quick adjustment of resistance levels and easy switching between different exercise modes without requiring heavy, fixed counterweight structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resistance system is segmented into multiple independent counterweight units that can be individually adjusted. Each counterweight unit can be independently positioned along the guide rods, allowing users to select and adjust specific counterweights based on exercise requirements, making the system easier to operate and switch between different resistance levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If equipment is designed with large volume to accommodate all exercise components, then exercise functionality is improved, but space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise mode capacityVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a nested arrangement where components are positioned vertically along the main frame. The barbell and counterweights are nested within the vertical space of the main frame, and cable pulleys are arranged to utilize the vertical dimension. This nesting approach allows multiple exercise functions to be accommodated within a compact footprint by efficiently using vertical space rather than horizontal space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient and cost-effective switching between different exercise modes, reducing the device's footprint and allowing users to perform various exercises with adjustable resistance, thus addressing the limitations of existing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

two cable and pulley assemblies (20), a barbell unit (30), two counterweight units (50), a plurality of handles or handgrips (70), and two tension rope units (80)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

two counterweight units (50)... Each counterweight unit (50) includes a pulley bracket (511) disposed on top, and a counterweight pulley (522) pivotally connected to the pulley bracket (511)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

two tension rope units (80)... Each tension rope unit (80) includes a plurality of tension ropes (81)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3978084B1Fast-switching comprehensive training device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 YANGZHOU JIUYI HARDWARE & MACHINERY
  • EP3978084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3978084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3978084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fast-switching comprehensive training device (100) includes a main frame (10) having two side frame portions (12); two cable and pulley assemblies (20) symmetrically disposed on the side frame portions (12) and each including an adjustment tube (21) and a first sliding seat (22) slidably sleeved on the adjustment tube (21); a barbell unit (30) including two sliding guide rods (32) respectively disposed on the side frame portions (12), two second sliding seats (33) sleeved slidably and respectively on the sliding guide rods (32), and an exercise bar (40) fixedly connected between the second sliding seats (33); two counterweight units (50) disposed movably and respectively on the side frame portions (12); and two tension rope units (80) each disposed between one of the side frame portions (12) and a respective counterweight unit (50).