Movable Weight Carriage for Sled and Wheelbarrow Exercise Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise sleds and wheelbarrows face challenges in adjusting weight increments, requiring multiple weight plates or heavy plates, leading to cumbersome adjustments and separate devices for sled and wheelbarrow configurations, with complicated conversion methods.
Innovation Solution
A versatile exercise device with a frame that includes a movable weight carriage and adjustable wheel position, allowing users to easily change resistance by repositioning handles and using a rotatable wheel adjustment mechanism for smooth conversion between sled and wheelbarrow modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heavy weight plates (e.g., 45 pound) are used to adjust sled weight, then the total weight can be adjusted, but the weight can only be changed in large increments and cannot be adjusted in between
Solution Approach 1:
The weight adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components: a carriage that can be positioned at different locations along the sled frame, and weight plates that can be selectively mounted on the carriage. This segmentation allows for precise weight adjustment by varying the position and combination of weight plates rather than requiring continuous weight changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static weight plate stacking approach to a dynamic positioning system where the carriage can be moved to different locations along the sled. This dynamic positioning allows the same weight plates to provide different weight increments depending on their position, enabling precise adjustment in between standard weight plate values.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pegs or pins are provided on the frame to carry weight plates, then the total weight can be varied over a large range, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure for weight plates, a positioning mechanism for adjusting weight distribution, and a locking interface with the frame. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pegs or pins for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining weight adjustment versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the weight plate mounting function with the carriage structure itself. Instead of having separate pegs or pins distributed along the frame, all weight plates are mounted on a single movable carriage assembly, consolidating multiple functions into one integrated component.
3Force
If a very heavy total weight is selected for the sled, then the exercise intensity is increased, but the user may find it too much effort for the return trip
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of weight distribution during the exercise routine. The carriage can be repositioned along the sled frame to shift the center of gravity and adjust the effective weight being pushed or pulled. This enables users to perform high-intensity exercises with heavy weights in one direction while reducing the effective weight for the return trip by repositioning the carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of weight distribution by allowing the carriage to be positioned at different locations along the sled. This parameter change enables the same physical weight to produce different exercise intensities depending on the carriage position, allowing users to optimize both forward and return trip efforts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for sled and wheelbarrow configurations, then each configuration can be optimized, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sled frame is designed with universal features that allow it to function as both a sled and a wheelbarrow. The same frame structure, carriage mechanism, and weight plate system can be used in both configurations, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining the optimized features of each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions dynamically between sled and wheelbarrow configurations through the movement and positioning of the carriage and weight plates. The same physical components can be arranged to create either configuration, allowing the device to adapt its function based on the exercise requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device having a sled or wheelbarrow configuration comprises a frame that is pushed across a support surface by a user. The frame carries a wheel that movably supports the frame in the wheelbarrow configuration and at least one skid that movably supports the frame in the skid configuration. A pair of handles is selectively repositionable on the frame from a vertical orientation used in the sled configuration and a horizontal orientation used in the wheelbarrow configuration to quickly and easily convert the device between its different configurations. The frame has a carriage that supports a plurality of exercise weight members with the carriage being movable in a fore-and-aft direction on the frame for changing the effort required from the user to push the frame.