Linear Arm Exercise Device With Segmented Brake Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Six degree of freedom exercise devices in the prior art face issues related to friction, inertia, high cost, excessive assembly time, reliability, strength, and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features a linear arm portion with a sliding joint and a torso portion, utilizing a rotary shoulder joint and waist joint with brake assemblies, including timing belt transmissions to minimize size, friction, and inertia, while enhancing reliability and precision of resistance and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional six degree of freedom exercise devices are used, then they can provide multi-directional exercise capability, but they suffer from high friction and high inertia of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a base assembly, torso assembly, and arm assembly that can move independently. Each assembly has its own brake assembly and bearing structures, allowing the system to achieve six degrees of freedom through coordinated movement of segmented parts rather than a single complex mechanism, thereby reducing friction and inertia in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
Brake assemblies are introduced as intermediary components between the moving parts and the resistance mechanism. These brake assemblies (including magnetic particle brakes and friction brakes) act as mediators that control motion and resistance independently, allowing the moving parts to maintain low friction and low inertia while still providing the necessary exercise resistance through the brake mechanisms rather than through the moving parts themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional exercise devices with multiple joints and mechanisms are used, then they can provide six degree of freedom motion, but they result in high cost and excessive assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a base assembly, torso assembly, and arm assembly that can be manufactured independently and assembled relatively quickly. Each assembly has its own brake assembly and bearing structures, allowing for standardized mass production of individual modules and reducing overall assembly time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assemblies are designed to be self-contained units that can be independently adjusted and maintained. The magnetic particle brakes and friction brakes are configured to provide self-adjusting resistance mechanisms that reduce the need for complex control systems and extensive assembly procedures.
3Force
If traditional exercise devices are used, then they can provide resistance mechanism, but they suffer from limited reliability and strength
Solution Approach 1:
Brake assemblies are introduced as intermediary components between the moving parts and the resistance mechanism. These brake assemblies (including magnetic particle brakes and friction brakes) act as mediators that control motion and resistance independently, allowing the moving parts to maintain low friction and low inertia while still providing the necessary exercise resistance through the brake mechanisms rather than through the moving parts themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple bearing assemblies (roller bearings, ball bearings, needle bearings) positioned at critical locations before failure can occur. These bearings provide preemptive support and load distribution, preventing premature wear and failure of moving parts. The brake assemblies also provide controlled resistance that prevents sudden shocks or overloads to the mechanical structures.
4Force
If traditional exercise devices are used, then they can provide resistance output, but they lack precision in resistance output and measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates encoders and measurement systems that provide feedback on the position and motion of the various assemblies. The encoders mounted on the base assembly, torso assembly, and arm assembly provide precise measurement of angular and linear displacements, allowing for accurate control and measurement of resistance output. This feedback enables the control system to precisely adjust brake resistance and measure user exercise parameters.
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 solution provides an improved exercise experience with minimized size and inertia, increased reliability, and more precise resistance and measurement, addressing the limitations of prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic particle brake for resisting rotation of the linear arm portion
Implementation Method 2
a friction brake for resisting rotation of the torso portion
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes a linear arm portion having an elongate arm member with proximal and distal ends and an elongate support member having proximal and distal ends. The arm member can be slidably mounted to the support member by a sliding joint positioned at the distal end of the support member. The arm member can be movable along a first axis between retracted and extended positions. The sliding joint can include first and second bearing assemblies which are spaced apart a sufficient distance from each other for constraining portions of the arm member within the sliding joint. The proximal end of the arm member that overlaps with the support member outside of the sliding joint when in retracted positions can be capable of some unconstrained lateral movement relative to the first axis. A linear arm brake assembly can be coupled to the arm member for resisting linear motion of the arm member. A torso portion can be included to which the linear arm portion is rotatably mounted about a second axis by rotary shoulder joint. The linear arm portion can be configured, and the rotary shoulder joint can be positioned along the length of the support member at a location that substantially balances the linear arm portion about the rotary shoulder joint at least when the arm member is in the retracted position.