Levitated Exercise Platform Friction Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Exercise machines with movable platforms experience significant friction between the platform and stationary rails, which interferes with the intended resistance training and can impair exercise performance, as existing solutions like magnetic levitation systems are too complex and costly for practical use in low-speed, short-distance applications.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically levitated movable carriage and platform system using magnetic elements to reduce contact friction, combined with pseudo-levitation elements like low-friction roller bearings and eddy brake elements for stabilization and vibration damping, allowing the platform to move along a stationary rail structure with minimal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic levitation systems are used to eliminate friction between the movable platform and stationary rails, then friction is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefrictionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex magnetic levitation system with a simpler mechanical roller bearing system. The roller bearings convert sliding friction into rolling friction, achieving significant friction reduction without the complexity and cost of magnetic levitation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive roller bearing components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive magnetic levitation systems. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity over the more complex but potentially more durable magnetic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If wheels or roller bearings are used to reduce friction between the movable platform and stationary rails, then friction is reduced, but additional resistance from contact remains

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefrictionVSAvoidexercise performance accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions roller bearings as intermediary elements that replace direct platform-rail contact. This substitution maintains the benefits of reduced friction while isolating the source of contact resistance to the bearing-rail interface rather than the platform-rail interface, thereby improving exercise performance accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If contact between movable platform and stationary rails is maintained, then stability is provided, but friction and additional resistance interfere with exercise performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces roller bearings as intermediary elements between the movable platform and stationary rails. These rollers maintain necessary contact for stability while converting harmful sliding friction into minimal rolling friction, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and friction reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively reduces friction and additional resistance, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of resistance training by maintaining the benefits of relative movement between the platform and rail components while minimizing unwanted contact forces.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetically levitated movable carriage and platform system using magnetic elements to reduce contact friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 2

eddy brake elements for stabilization and vibration damping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current damping: Eddy Current Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11707643B2Exercise machine with levitated platform

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 LAGREE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An improved exercise machine has a stationary longitudinal monorail structure that extends between front and back end stationary exercise platforms, and an exercise platform mounted on a levitated carriage that is reciprocally movable along the monorail between the stationary platforms. Magnetic elements arranged on various opposing surfaces of the carriage and monorail generate magnetic forces that levitate and stabilize the carriage as it moves relative to the monorail thus substantially eliminating contact friction. Springs selectively attachable to the movable platform provide a resistance force for exercising. Pseudo-levitation and eddy brake elements on the carriage and monorail structure further stabilize the carriage and platform.