Stepless Load Adjustment via Threaded Rod on Movable Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor workout equipment lacks accurate and stepless load adjustment, relying on body weight and equipment components, which is cumbersome and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A workout equipment design featuring a movable arm with parallel guides and a threaded rod system, allowing stepless locking of load units along the guides, enabling precise load adjustment through a rotator and locking device, and optional swing axles for versatile connection to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If loose, removable weight units are used for load adjustment, then load adjustment is flexible, but storage problems, maintenance issues and safety regulations arise
Solution Approach 1:
The load unit is segmented into multiple weight plates that can be individually adjusted along the movable arm. Each weight plate can be independently positioned at different locations along the guides, allowing flexible load distribution while maintaining structural integrity and safety through the guided movement system.
2Ease of operation
If pre-determined locking positions are used, then load adjustment is simplified, but accurate and stepless adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from static pre-determined positions to a dynamic system where the load unit can be locked at any continuous position along the movable arm. The locking device engages with the threaded rod to secure the load unit at the desired location, enabling both ease of operation and precise stepless adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete mechanical locking positions are replaced with a threaded rod mechanism that allows continuous positioning. The threading converts rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling precise control of the load unit position while the locking device provides secure fixation at any point along the travel path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If weight is located asymmetrically on the load arm, then load adjustment is achieved, but torsional stress is caused to the load arm and weight transfer means
Solution Approach 1:
The system intentionally uses asymmetric positioning of weight plates relative to the load arm to achieve different load configurations. By allowing weight plates to be positioned at various distances from the pivot point, the system creates asymmetric load distributions that can be optimized for different exercise requirements while the parallel guides maintain alignment and reduce unwanted stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of torsional stress is solved by adding a spatial dimension through the parallel guides system. Instead of relying solely on asymmetric weight placement on a single arm, the load unit moves along guided paths that constrain motion and distribute forces more evenly, transforming the stress distribution through dimensional constraints.
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
Enables easy, fast, and accurate load adjustment, suitable for various exercises and training types, with interchangeable handles and a load indicator for precise force measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The load transfer means comprise a threaded rod having a first end and a second end, which threaded rod is parallel to said first and second guides. Rotating the threaded rod around its longitudinal axis forces the load unit to move along the first and second guides.
Implementation Method 2
The load transfer means comprise a locking device for locking the load unit steplessly on the first and second guides. The locking device is configured to prevent the rotation of the threaded rod.
Data Source
AI summary
Workout equipment includes a frame and a movable arm pivotally connected to the frame, the movable arm having a first end and a second end. A movable load unit is supported by the movable arm and a load transferer is configured to move the load unit along the movable arm. The movable arm includes a first guide and a second guide, the load unit is supported by the first and second guides and the load transferer includes a locking device for locking the load unit on the first and second guides. The load transferer includes a threaded rod having a first end and a second end, the threaded rod being parallel to the first and second guides. The load unit has a threaded aperture through which the threaded rod projects and the load unit includes weight plates connected together, each weight plate having a hole creating the aperture.