Modular Exercise Machine with Common Drivetrain

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exercise equipment requires multiple machines for various workouts, leading to redundancy, increased cost, and space constraints, as each machine is designed for specific activities and operates independently, necessitating separate knowledge for operation.

Innovation Solution

A modular exercise machine with a common drivetrain that allows for multiple attachments such as a stationary bicycle, elliptical machine, and rowing machine, which are reconfigurable and share a single resistance system, enabling customization and reduced redundancy by using interchangeable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent exercise machines are purchased for various workouts, then exercise functionality and versatility are improved, but floor space consumption and equipment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise functionalityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple exercise machine functions (stationary bicycle, elliptical machine, rowing machine) into a single integrated device that shares a common drivetrain and resistance system. This merging eliminates the need for separate machines, reducing floor space while maintaining exercise versatility through interchangeable attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal exercise device with a common drivetrain that can accommodate multiple types of exercise attachments. The single resistance system serves all exercise modes, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to various workout requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent exercise machines are purchased for various workouts, then exercise functionality is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise functionalityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple exercise machine functions (stationary bicycle, elliptical machine, rowing machine) into a single integrated device that shares a common drivetrain and resistance system. This merging eliminates the need for separate machines, reducing floor space while maintaining exercise versatility through interchangeable attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal exercise device with a common drivetrain that can accommodate multiple types of exercise attachments. The single resistance system serves all exercise modes, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to various workout requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent exercise machines are used, then exercise variety is improved, but device complexity and operational knowledge requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise varietyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the exercise device into modular components: a common drivetrain system and interchangeable exercise attachments. Each attachment is designed to interface with the standard drivetrain, simplifying operation by maintaining consistent control mechanisms across different exercise modes while providing exercise variety through attachment changes rather than system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11786781B2Combination stationary exercise equipment

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 PROSNITZ SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A modular exercise apparatus comprising a frame, a common drivetrain supported by the frame and including a common axle, a plurality of input receivers coupled to the common axle, and a resistance member operably coupled to the common axle and operable to provide resistance against rotation of the common axle, a first exercise attachment including a first drive member operably coupled to a first input receiver of the plurality of input receivers of the common drivetrain, and a second exercise attachment including a second drive member operably coupled to a second input receiver of the plurality of input receivers of the common drivetrain.