Motorized Foot Retaining Device for Inversion Exerciser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tilting inversion exercisers lack a secure ankle or foot retaining mechanism that can be easily operated by users, especially when the device is rotated, and do not have a safety device to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the ankle or foot holder during use.
Innovation Solution
A power rotating ankle holder or foot retaining device with a motorized mechanism to securely clamp and detach the user's ankles or feet, combined with a safety device that switches off the retaining mechanism to prevent inadvertent operation when the exerciser is rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated locking device is used to retain the user's feet, then the device structure can be simple, but it becomes difficult for users to operate when lying on the table during inversion exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical locking device is replaced with an electric motor-driven system. The motor automatically moves the foot anchor members to clamp the user's feet, eliminating the need for manual operation while the user is in an inverted position. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation through automation while managing complexity through integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot retaining device is designed to automatically adjust and clamp the user's feet without requiring manual intervention. The motorized system self-adjusts the position of the foot anchor members, allowing the device to serve itself in securing the user during inversion exercises, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the ankle holder is designed to be easily operated, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of inadvertent operation or disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a control mechanism that monitors the operational state of the foot retaining device. The control means receives signals from sensors that detect whether the device is in a safe state, and automatically activates or deactivates the motor accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the device cannot be inadvertently operated or disengaged, maintaining reliability while keeping the interface simple for users.
Solution Approach 2:
A control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the motorized foot retaining system. This intermediary layer includes control means and sensing means that mediate the operation, ensuring that activation only occurs under appropriate conditions. This prevents direct inadvertent operation while maintaining ease of use through simple control interfaces.
3Reliability
If a power-driven mechanism is used to retain the user's feet, then secure retention is achieved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex manual mechanical locking system is replaced with a more compact motor-driven mechanism. The electric motor provides reliable clamping force through a simplified transmission system that moves the foot anchor members along the stem. This substitution achieves secure retention while reducing overall mechanical complexity compared to traditional manual locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven mechanism serves multiple functions: it clamps the foot anchor members to retain the user's feet, positions them accurately along the stem, and can be controlled through a simple interface. This multi-functionality consolidates several mechanical components into a single integrated system, achieving reliable retention 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 ensures secure retention of the user's ankles or feet during exercises and prevents inadvertent disengagement, enhancing user safety and ease of operation by using a motorized mechanism that automatically switches off when the device is rotated.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (37) for rotating and driving the threaded shank
Implementation Method 2
a threaded shank (38) rotatably disposed in the tube (34), and a threaded member (41) secured in the stem (35) and threaded with the threaded shank (38)
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting inversion exerciser includes a table rotatably supported on a supporting stand, a foot retaining device for being powered and actuated to clamp and to retain ankle portions of the user to the table without being operated manually by the user. A motorized coupling device may move and adjust the table relative to the stand. A safety device may be used for switching off the foot retaining device to prevent the ankle portions of the user from being disengaged from the foot retaining device inadvertently when the table is operated by the user, particularly when the table and the user are rotated to a vertical position relative to the supporting stand and the ground.