Linkage System for Synchronized Exercise Device Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices for training the upper and lower torso in the frontal plane lack interconnectivity between foot supports and body engaging members, leading to uncontrolled movement and inadequate safety features, particularly for individuals with impaired balance or coordination.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a linkage system connecting foot supports and body engaging members through rotatable connections, including gears or pulleys, to ensure synchronized movement and a safety rail for support and propulsion during exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If foot supports and body engaging members are not connected, then device complexity is reduced, but movement control and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines previously separate foot supports and body engaging members into an integrated system through a linkage mechanism. This merging allows coordinated movement between components while maintaining individual functionality, resolving the contradiction by achieving both structural coherence and movement control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system acts as an intermediary between foot supports and body engaging members, mediating their relative movements. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled motion transmission while preventing uncontrolled movement, thereby improving reliability without requiring direct rigid connection that would increase complexity
2Reliability
If foot supports and body engaging members are connected through linkage system, then movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system employs dynamic connections that allow controlled movement between foot supports and body engaging members. Rather than rigid fixed connections, the dynamic linkage adapts to exercise movements while maintaining control, achieving reliability without the complexity of rigid structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system is segmented into discrete rotatable connections and links rather than a monolithic structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall movement control, reducing the complexity burden of a fully integrated rigid structure
3Reliability
If safety rail is added to exercise device, then safety and support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety rail serves multiple functions: providing safety support, enabling propulsion through gripping, and assisting in device entry/exit. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by delivering several benefits from a single component, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing complexity
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 controlled and coordinated movement of foot supports relative to the body engaging member, enhancing safety and stability, especially for older users, while allowing for effective exercise of both the upper and lower torso.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage system includes a pair of elongate links, a first of which is rotatably connected at spaced apart locations thereon to the connector connected to one of the pair of foot supports and to the body engaging member, respectively, and a second of which is rotatably connected at spaced apart locations thereon to the connector connected to the other of the pair of foot supports and to the body engaging member, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The linkage system includes moveable members interconnecting the first and second elongate links to transmit rotational movement of each to the other
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device includes an elongate guide having a longitudinal dimension between spaced apart ends. A pair of foot supports are slidably mounted on, and relative to the elongate guide. A body engaging member is adjacent a side edge of the elongate guide and is engageable by an individual using the device. A linkage system is connected to the pair of foot supports and to the body engaging member through rotatable connections, with the rotatable connections permitting interconnected movement of the body engaging member and foot supports in the same longitudinal direction along the longitudinal dimension of the elongate guide. Preferably, an adjustable rail also is provided by a pair of rotatably mounted arms.