Modular Exercise Ring with Guide Track for Variable Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional gym equipment takes up excessive space, limits the number of users who can work out simultaneously, and inadequately prepares athletes for unpredictable movements by only exercising body parts at limited angles, while there is a lack of effective devices for strengthening neck muscles.

Innovation Solution

A modular apparatus with adjustable rings and guide tracks that fit around various body parts, allowing for exercise at multiple angles with variable resistance, using existing sources like bungee cords, kettlebells, and cable machines, to minimize space usage and enhance range of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional gym equipment is used for exercising body parts, then the equipment provides structured exercise support, but it takes up excessive floor space and limits the number of users who can work out simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise supportVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise system is divided into modular components: a headpiece element with guide track, a car that moves along the track, and interchangeable resistance sources. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible reconfiguration for different exercises, reducing the need for multiple dedicated machines and thereby minimizing floor space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headpiece element with guide track and car assembly serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different resistance sources (bungee cords, kettlebells, cable machines), enable exercises at multiple angles, and work with various body parts. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to replace multiple traditional machines, significantly reducing the number of equipment pieces needed in the gym.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If traditional exercise machines are used for neck and body part training, then they provide resistance training capability, but they only workout body parts at limited angles with limited range of motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance training capabilityVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The car is designed to move freely along the guide track of the headpiece element, allowing dynamic adjustment of the resistance angle and range of motion during exercise. This dynamic capability enables the user to perform exercises at multiple angles and with extended range of motion compared to fixed traditional machines, while maintaining resistance training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing exercise parameters by moving the car to different positions on the guide track and by interchangeably attaching different resistance sources. This enables variation in resistance magnitude, direction, and range of motion, providing adaptable training that maintains strength development while expanding movement versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If more traditional gym equipment is purchased to increase exercise options, then more exercise possibilities are available, but the cost increases and more floor space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise possibilitiesVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The headpiece element with guide track and car assembly serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different resistance sources (bungee cords, kettlebells, cable machines), enable exercises at multiple angles, and work with various body parts. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to replace multiple traditional machines, significantly reducing the number of equipment pieces needed in the gym.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The car is designed to move freely along the guide track of the headpiece element, allowing dynamic adjustment of the resistance angle and range of motion during exercise. This dynamic capability enables the user to perform exercises at multiple angles and with extended range of motion compared to fixed traditional machines, while maintaining resistance training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9555283B2Exercise ring for improving strength and flexibility of a body part

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 MISSION COMPETITION FITNESS EQUIP

AI summary

An apparatus and method for exercising muscles of a body part, especially the neck, waist, torso, legs, and glutes from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. Another inner ring may also be provided in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of users. A car connected to a source of resistance rides freely along the guide track. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a bungee cord, a cable cross over machine, springs, and the like. As the user freely exercises by moving the body part the car adapts to the user's position to facilitate a full range of motion.