Monocolumn Unweighting System with Adjustable Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unweighting systems for counteracting gravitational forces are either poorly controlled, uncomfortable, or impractical for general use, lacking adjustability and repeatability, and often require medical supervision, making them unsuitable for average users or home/gym environments.
Innovation Solution
A monocolumn unweighting system with a height-adjustable cantilevered arm assembly and a resilient member, such as a coiled spring, that allows users to easily adjust the unweighting force by varying the spring length using a lead screw and nut mechanism, providing a low vertical spring rate for consistent unweighting throughout the gait cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bungee cords are used to provide unweighting forces, then the system is simple in structure, but the unweighting force is poorly controlled and varies over time and with usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bungee cord system with a spring-loaded mechanism featuring a coiled spring, lead screw, and nut assembly. This substitution enables precise control of unweighting force through mechanical adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity. The spring provides consistent elastic force, and the lead screw-nut mechanism allows users to adjust the spring compression and thus the unweighting force magnitude, eliminating the variability inherent in bungee cords.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable parameters for unweighting force through the lead screw and nut mechanism. Users can change the compression length of the coiled spring by rotating the lead screw, thereby modifying the spring force parameter. This allows the unweighting force to be precisely controlled and adjusted for different users and workout requirements, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that adapts to different needs.
2Reliability
If overhead harness systems are used to suspend users, then unweighting can be achieved, but the systems are uncomfortable and distribute weight unnaturally
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suspending the user from above the torso using overhead harnesses, the patent inverts the approach by providing unweighting force from below at the user's hip level. The cantilevered arm assembly with spring extends downward from a vertical bar, applying upward unweighting force at the hip. This inversion eliminates the unnatural weight distribution and penduluming effects of overhead suspension while maintaining effective unweighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cantilevered arm assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed vertical bar and the user's hip. This intermediary structure transfers the unweighting force from the spring in a controlled manner, positioning the force application point at the hip rather than above the torso. The intermediary arm assembly acts as a mechanical mediator that provides comfortable weight distribution while achieving the desired unweighting effect.
3Reliability
If water-based systems are used for unweighting, then buoyancy can offset gravity, but the viscous drag substantially alters muscle activation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-based buoyancy system with a mechanical spring-loaded unweighting system. Instead of relying on water buoyancy that introduces viscous drag, the coiled spring provides direct elastic support force. This substitution eliminates the harmful viscous drag effect while maintaining the beneficial buoyancy-like support, allowing users to experience weight offset without the negative effects of water resistance on muscle activation.
4Reliability
If DAP systems are used to simulate low gravity, then pressure can support patients at center of gravity, but control systems and pressure enclosures add cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex DAP system with a simple mechanical spring-based unweighting mechanism. Instead of using differential air pressure control systems and enclosed chambers, the invention uses a coiled spring with lead screw and nut assembly to provide support force. This substitution dramatically reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to support users at their center of gravity, eliminating the need for expensive pressure control electronics and enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (coiled spring, lead screw, nut, vertical bar) to achieve what DAP systems accomplish with complex, expensive technology. The mechanical components are straightforward in design, easy to manufacture, and cost-effective, replacing the sophisticated but costly air pressure control system while providing equivalent support functionality.
5Device complexity
If frames are designed to be entered from the side, then structure can be simplified, but close packing of systems over treadmills becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the frame structure from side-entry to front-entry configuration, changing the dimensional arrangement of components. The vertical bar extends forward from the base, with the cantilevered arm assembly positioned in front of the user rather than to the side. This dimensional reorientation allows the system to be compact and packable over treadmills while maintaining structural simplicity, as the front-facing design enables closer spacing between adjacent systems.
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 enables comfortable and adjustable unweighting for both healthy and mobility-impaired users, offering a cost-effective solution for exercise or gait training without medical supervision, with a compact design that maintains consistent unweighting force during different phases of movement.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member, such as a coiled spring, is coupled to the cantilevered arm assembly and configured to unload a portion of the user's weight
Implementation Method 2
allowing users to easily adjust the unweighting force by varying the spring length using a lead screw and nut mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An unweighting system includes a frame having a base and a vertical bar extending therefrom. The base is configured to connect to or at least partially encircle an exercise device. A height adjustable cantilevered arm assembly is coupled to the vertical bar at a fulcrum, and the cantilevered arm assembly is configured to receive and couple to the user. A resilient member is coupled to the cantilevered arm assembly and configured to unload a portion of the user's weight while the user is coupled to the cantilevered arm assembly and exercises on the exercise device.