Foldable Rowing Machine Frame with Storage Chamber and Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Most existing rowing machines are not foldable, occupying excessive indoor space when not in use due to their long frames, causing inconvenience to users.

Innovation Solution

A foldable rowing machine design featuring a frame with a main part, drawing stand, and turning stands that can be folded and stored in a storage chamber, utilizing L-shaped lock bars, hydraulic rods, and a rope winder system to reduce size, along with a damping adjustment device and magnetic mechanisms for smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the rowing machine frame is made long to provide sufficient rowing space, then the rowing exercise space is improved, but the occupied indoor space increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverowing exercise spaceVSAvoidoccupied indoor space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple segments including a main part, at least one drawing stand, and at least two turning stands. These segments can be relatively moved with respect to each other, allowing the frame to be extended during use for sufficient rowing space, and folded together when not in use to minimize occupied indoor space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is designed as a dynamic structure where the drawing stand and turning stands can be extended or retracted. During exercise, the frame is in an extended state providing adequate rowing space. When not in use, the frame can be folded into a compact configuration, transforming from a static long structure to a dynamic compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the frame is made foldable to reduce size, then the occupied indoor space is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupied indoor spaceVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the frame into modular segments (main part, drawing stand, turning stands), the complexity of making the entire frame foldable is reduced. Each segment can be independently designed and connected through simple locking mechanisms, making the folding function achievable without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drawing stand and turning stands can be folded and stored within or alongside the main part of the frame. This nesting arrangement allows the extended components to be compacted into the space of the main structure, achieving size reduction without requiring completely separate storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If lock pin mechanisms are added to secure the folding structure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented into simple lock pin mechanisms positioned at specific joints of the frame. Rather than using a complex centralized locking system, multiple simple lock pins are distributed at key locations, providing reliable locking while keeping each individual mechanism simple and easy to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design allows for significant reduction in size when not in use, providing better space management and user experience with a simple, practical, and easy-to-operate structure.

Implementation Method 1

the first bar portions are sleeved with first springs, and under the effect of the first springs, a pushing force enabling the first bar portions to move towards the pedal is applied to the tail ends of the first bar portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a support rod is rotatably connected to the main part, the other end of the support rod is rotatably connected to a back side of the pedal, and the support rod is a hydraulic rod or a hinge rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4147756B1Foldable rowing machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 YECHAO TECH BEIJING CO LTD
  • EP4147756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147756B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4147756B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A foldable rowing machine comprises a main part, a rowing machine seat, at least one drawing stand, and at least two turning stands. A storage chamber is formed in the main part, and a pedal is hinged to an opening of the storage chamber. A rope winder for winding a rope to a required length is disposed on the main part, and a damping adjustment device for realizing a damping adjustment effect by means of magnets and a metal ring is disposed at the position of a damper. A whole frame can be folded to be stored, the rope can be wound by a short distance, the damping force of the damper can be freely adjusted, and a movable frame for avoiding a high-low clearance is disposed on the turning stands to fulfill a shock absorption effect; and various functions are realized, and the user experience of the rowing machine can be effectively improved.