Multi-Part Movable Section for Joint Loading in Exercise Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses fail to provide controlled direction and loading on joints throughout the range of motion, leading to inefficient workouts and potential injury due to poor form, especially when using non-cam based machines or those that are limited to single-joint exercises in a single plane of motion.
Innovation Solution
A muscle resistance apparatus with a framework and movable sections linked to resistive forces, allowing independent angular and linear movement, enabling the engagement of multiple muscle groups and joints, thereby providing full loading and support throughout the range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-cam based fixed weight machines, free weights or cable machines are used, then multiple joints can be trained, but the load direction is fixed and does not adjust with user movements, resulting in joints not being fully loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The movable section is divided into multiple independently movable parts (first part, second part, third part) that can move relative to each other. Each part can be temporarily displaced independently, allowing the apparatus to train multiple joints simultaneously while maintaining proper load direction at each joint through independent movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The connections between parts are designed to allow temporary displacement, creating a dynamic system that adapts to user movements. The resistive force is engaged upon movement of each part independently, ensuring the load adjusts with the user's movements rather than remaining fixed, thereby fully loading each joint throughout the range of motion.
2Reliability
If cam based machines are used, then joints are loaded evenly throughout range of motion, but only a single joint can be exercised in one direction, preventing multi-articular exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the cam-based resistance mechanism into multiple independently movable parts, each capable of exercising different joints. This allows the single cam mechanism to provide even loading across multiple joints simultaneously, enabling multi-articular exercises while maintaining the advantage of even joint loading throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable section with multiple independently movable parts serves multiple functions - it can exercise multiple joints simultaneously and in different directions. The resistive force mechanism is designed to engage with each part independently, allowing the same apparatus to perform various multi-articular exercises targeting different muscle groups.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dependently linked cam arrangements are used, then multi-joint exercises are possible, but movement of one part induces movement of another, limiting the benefit on each joint as larger muscle groups compensate for smaller ones
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the movable section into multiple independently movable parts connected in a chain, where each part can be temporarily displaced independently. This segmentation allows each muscle group to be targeted separately without compensation from larger muscle groups, as each part's movement can be controlled independently while still enabling multi-joint exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The connections between parts act as intermediaries that allow independent movement control. Each connection enables temporary displacement of one part relative to another, mediating the movement so that larger muscle groups cannot compensate for smaller ones while still allowing coordinated multi-joint exercise movements.
4Device complexity
If exercise apparatus is limited to single plane of motion, then mechanism complexity is reduced, but natural multi-planar body movements cannot be mimicked, reducing exercise effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from single-plane to multi-planar movement capability by allowing the movable section and its parts to move in multiple planes. The connections enable temporary displacement in different directions, allowing the apparatus to mimic natural multi-planar body movements without requiring overly complex mechanisms, as each part can move independently in its optimal plane.
Data Source
AI summary
Muscle resistance apparatus comprising a framework, at least one resistive force and a movable section. The movable section is linked to a resistive force, wherein a first part of the movable section is attached to the framework by a connection whereby it can be temporarily displaced, and a second part of the movable section is connected to the first part of the movable section by a second connection whereby it can be temporarily displaced. The first and second parts of the movable section are independently movable with respect to one another in an angular and/or linear fashion.