Gymnastic Machine Adjusting Group for Dynamic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gymnastic machines, particularly stationary bikes, lack the ability to adjust the position of user-interfaces such as saddles and handlebars during exercise without compromising balance or requiring interruption of the training session, failing to meet the needs of athletic users who require customizable positions for effective and safe workouts.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting group with a sliding coupling unit and blocking device allows for the longitudinal and vertical adjustment of user-interfaces, enabling users to change positions while exercising without losing balance, using a pin and actuating handle that switches between locking and releasing positions, allowing for precise adjustments during training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional screw-driven adjustment devices are used for saddles and handlebars, then the position can be adjusted before training, but the user must interrupt training or get off the bike to adjust, causing loss of balance and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment operationVSAvoidtraining interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device transitions from a static, fixed-position crank mechanism to a dynamic system where the crank can be positioned anywhere along the guide rod. This allows the user to access the adjustment mechanism at any point during training without needing to stop or dismount, as the crank simply rotates to a new position along the rod rather than requiring a fixed mounting location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the user to independently adjust the position of the crank along the guide rod without assistance from instructors or equipment operators. The user can freely move the crank to any position and perform adjustments autonomously during training sessions, making the system self-serving and eliminating dependency on external help

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the crank is arranged in fixed position relative to the frame, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot access the adjustment mechanism without stopping training or risking clothing entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidaccess to adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent components: the guide rod that provides the linear path, and the crank that can be freely positioned along this path. This segmentation allows the crank to be decoupled from fixed structural constraints, enabling it to move to accessible positions while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crank's position is extended from a single fixed point to a one-dimensional continuum along the guide rod. By adding this spatial dimension for crank positioning, the system transforms from a static adjustment mechanism to one that offers multiple accessible positions, solving the accessibility problem without adding complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustments are needed during training to optimize position, then training effectiveness improves, but repeated interruptions and multiple 360° crank rotations are required, increasing time loss and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface position customizationVSAvoidrepeated adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The user can pre-position the crank at an accessible location along the guide rod before beginning training or before an adjustment is needed. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to maneuver the body into difficult positions during adjustment, allowing quick and efficient repositioning without interrupting the training flow or requiring multiple rotation cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2995356B1Gymnastic machine with adjusting group
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 TECHNOGYM SPA
  • EP2995356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2995356B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP2995356B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

Adjusting group (1) for adjusting the position of a user-interface (2) of a gymnastic machine (100) relative to a respective frame (102) thereof; a sliding coupling unit (120) being associated with the user-interface (2) to define a first path (L) for adjusting the position of the user-interface (2) with respect to the frame (102); a blocking device (130) being provided in combination with the coupling unit (120) to fix the user-interface (2) in any position along the first path (L); the coupling unit (120) comprising a guide (122) associated with the frame (102) and a slide (124) associated with the user-interface (2) and coupled to the guide (122) in a sliding fashion along respective first coupling surface (1220) and second coupling surface (1240).