Foldable Strength Trainer with Sliding Counterweight Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strength training machines with folding functions require two hands or a hand and a foot for folding, making the operation inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A strength training machine designed with a single-hand folding mechanism, utilizing a pulling assembly and counterweight device that includes a handle assembly, drive wheel, and sliding assembly to facilitate easy folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional strength training machines use a rotating shaft connection between left and right brackets with counterweight blocks, then the machine can be folded for storage, but the counterweight blocks shake during folding making the operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sliding assembly with a sliding block that moves along a guide rail on the bracket. This sliding block acts as a counterbalance to the counterweight blocks, providing stabilizing force during the folding operation. When the user folds the machine by pushing the bracket, the sliding block moves smoothly along the guide rail, counteracting the shaking of counterweight blocks and enabling stable one-handed folding operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional strength training machines require two hands or a hand and a foot for folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage during the folding process without requiring additional user actions. When the bracket is pushed to fold, the sliding block naturally moves along the guide rail and provides stabilization throughout the motion. The system self-regulates the folding process, eliminating the need for complex coordination of multiple body parts and simplifying the operation to a single pushing motion.
3Volume of moving object
If the bracket is designed to be foldable for storage convenience, then storage space is reduced, but the folding operation becomes unstable due to counterweight block shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's folding action and the counterweight blocks. The guide rail provides a constrained path for the sliding block, which in turn provides stabilizing force to counteract the counterweight block shaking. This intermediary system transfers and smooths the folding motion, enabling stable folding while achieving compact storage configuration.
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 convenient one-hand operation for folding and unfolding, reducing the complexity and effort required for storage, while minimizing shaking during the folding process.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding assembly is in contact with the support surface to assist movement of the bracket when the bracket is in the second state
Implementation Method 2
an end of the bracket is formed with a cavity structure, and the counterweight device is arranged in the cavity structure
Data Source
AI summary
A strength training machine and/or apparatus is provided. The strength training machine includes a bracket, a motor, a driving wheel, a pulling piece, and a moving member. The bracket is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state. A portion of the bracket is in contact with a support surface in the unfolded state. The portion of the bracket is capable of being positioned to be inclined or vertical with respect to the support surface after the bracket is switched to the folded state. The driving wheel is coupled to the motor. The pulling piece is coiled around the driving wheel. The moving member is attached to the bracket. The moving member contacts the support surface and is capable of assisting a movement of the strength training machine relative to the support surface.