Hybrid Weight Pneumatic Exercise Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weight lifting equipment lacks the ability to provide variable resistance that mimics the dynamic resistance experienced with free weights, and pneumatic exercise equipment restricts movement, failing to replicate the balance and freedom of traditional weight lifting.

Innovation Solution

An exercise apparatus that combines weight lifting with pneumatic resistance, allowing for adjustable pneumatic resistance through a valve system and actuators, enabling users to control resistance levels independently of weight plates, and featuring a frame and track assembly that supports free movement of the weight bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pneumatic exercise equipment is used, then resistance can be quickly adjusted and constant resistance is provided throughout the stroke, but the user loses freedom of movement and balance control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance adjustmentVSAvoidfreedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines pneumatic resistance mechanism with free weight system into a single exercise apparatus. The pneumatic cylinder provides resistance while the barbell and weight plates maintain freedom of movement and balance control requirements, merging the advantages of both systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exercise apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as traditional free weight equipment requiring balance and stability control, or it can function with pneumatic resistance providing constant force throughout the stroke, accommodating different training needs and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional weight lifting is used, then freedom of movement and balance control are maintained, but resistance varies with movement speed and does not provide constant resistance throughout the stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidconstant resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines pneumatic resistance mechanism with free weight system into a single exercise apparatus. The pneumatic cylinder provides resistance while the barbell and weight plates maintain freedom of movement and balance control requirements, merging the advantages of both systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If weight stack machines are used, then resistance can be varied by changing weight plates, but the equipment complexity increases and the user must balance the weight during each repetition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance variationVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines pneumatic resistance mechanism with free weight system into a single exercise apparatus. The pneumatic cylinder provides resistance while the barbell and weight plates maintain freedom of movement and balance control requirements, merging the advantages of both systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus provides a dynamic resistance that simulates free weight training with adjustable pneumatic resistance, allowing for full muscular effort throughout the exercise stroke and reduced joint impact, while maintaining the freedom of movement associated with traditional weight lifting.

Implementation Method 1

The pneumatic resistance device includes a pneumatic actuator having a cylinder and a piston rod that extends from the cylinder along a stroke axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic resistance: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The pneumatic resistance device includes at least one valve to regulate the amount of resistance that the pneumatic resistance device applies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation: Valve

Implementation Method 3

A weight is selectively coupled to the user interface, and a pneumatic resistance device is also selectively coupled to the user interface independently of the weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8323158B2Exercise apparatus using weight and pneumatic resistances

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 KEISER CORP

AI summary

An exercise apparatus combines weight and pneumatic resistance to provide a user with options to work against either or both types of resistances. In one mode, the exercise apparatus includes a user interface, such as, for example, a weight-lifting bar, that a user can move either toward or away from a stationary portion of the user's body. A weight (e.g., a free weight plate) can be selectively coupled to the user interface. A pneumatic resistance device can also be selectively coupled to the user interface independent of whether the user interface is also coupled to the weight. The pneumatic resistance device includes at least one valve to regulate the amount of resistance that the pneumatic resistance device applies to oppose movement of the user interface in at least one direction. At least one actuator may be provided for controlling the at least one valve, the actuator being configured to be manipulated by the user while the user is in an exercise position. The apparatus can also include a trolley that moves relative to a track. The trolley can move with the user interface so as to permit various positions of the user interface relative to the pneumatic resistance device.