Hamstring Exercise Machine with Articulated Descent Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hamstring exercise machines are cumbersome, require dedicated space, and are unsuitable for precise evaluation or safe rehabilitation due to their size and complexity, limiting accessibility and increasing costs, while existing Nordic eccentric exercises lack reproducibility and safety for athletes and rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A hamstring exercise machine with a frame and knee support system that includes an articulated descent assistance system with a rotating lower part and corner piece, allowing hip flexion and featuring a slowing device to control the descent, enabling safe and progressive training, precise evaluation, and effective muscle re-education.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete weight-training device with brake and rotating arm is used (US 4,776,587), then evaluation and rehabilitation functions are achieved, but the device becomes particularly cumbersome and requires dedicated space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential hamstring training function from the complete weight-training device, removing the brake mechanism and rotating arm while retaining the core exercise capability through a simplified frame with ankle restraint and hip support
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into minimal essential components: frame, ankle restraint, hip support, and optional slowing device, separating the hamstring training function from other weight-training functions to reduce overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If Nordic eccentric exercise is used without assistance, then ease of use is improved, but safety and reproducibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service exercise execution through fixed frame and support structures that automatically provide positioning and resistance, eliminating the need for assistant while ensuring reproducible conditions through mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The slowing device modifies the descent parameter by providing controlled resistance, transforming the uncontrolled violent effort into a controlled progressive exercise that maintains safety while preserving ease of use
3Productivity
If hip flexion is added to the exercise machine, then training effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hip support structure is merged with the frame and corner piece assembly, integrating the hip flexion capability into the existing structural framework rather than adding a separate mechanism, thus improving training effectiveness while minimizing complexity increase
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 machine allows for effective training, evaluation, and rehabilitation of hamstring muscles by mimicking real-life sports movements, providing better results and safety through adjustable resistance and hip flexion, making it more accessible and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a slowing device configured to slow down the descent by tilting of the holding frame caused by the weight of the user
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates in particular to a hamstring exercise machine for a user, comprising a frame (1), a knee support (2), a descent assistance system (3) for the user, and ankle restraints (12). The descent assistance system (3) includes a support frame (4) and a deceleration device (5). The support frame (4) is configured to allow the user to maintain hip flexion throughout the exercise. This hip flexion enables the user to perform a muscle exercise that closely resembles the actual conditions of use of said muscles. The deceleration device (5) limits the user's weight, thus allowing for progressive and safe exercises. It also allows the user to increase the intensity of the exercise beyond the lowest resistance level by adding weights to the upper frame.This feature will be useful for users with a very high level of strength, allowing them to develop even greater strength.