Multi-Plane Exercise Machine with Adjustable Cable Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment often subjects users to unnatural body positions and counterproductive stress, leading to potential injury and inadequate engagement of muscle groups, as it typically employs fixed resistance paths that do not mimic daily activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of exercise machines with cable connections and adjustable movement paths that allow users to maintain a biomechanically correct position through natural, arcing movements, engaging additional muscle groups and providing resistance assistance to enhance strength and flexibility gains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed resistance paths are used in traditional strength machines, then the machine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user is subjected to unnatural body positions and counterproductive stress that can cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance path movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The cable connections allow the resistance path to dynamically adapt to different user positions and movement patterns, enabling natural arcing movements while maintaining biomechanically correct positioning throughout the exercise range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resistance path configuration from fixed to adjustable. Users can define specific courses of functional exercise by adjusting cable connections and movement paths, allowing the equipment to adapt to individual biomechanical requirements and exercise goals.
2Device complexity
If fixed resistance paths are used in traditional strength machines, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot maintain biomechanically correct position across a circuit of exercise stations
Solution Approach 1:
The movement path is designed to dynamically adjust and automatically maintain biomechanically correct positioning throughout the exercise circuit. The cable connections and movable components work together to ensure the user remains in proper alignment regardless of the specific exercise being performed.
3Device complexity
If traditional strength machines with single plane motion are used, then the machine design is simple, but the exercise does not mimic normal activities and engages limited muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single exercise machine to perform multiple functional movements across different planes. The adjustable cable connections and movable resistance paths allow the equipment to mimic various normal activities and engage multiple muscle groups, providing comprehensive functional training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single plane motion to multi-plane movement by introducing arcing paths and adjustable resistance directions. This dimensional change allows the exercise to more closely replicate the complexity of real-world activities that occur in three-dimensional space.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine includes: a resistance element; a user support; a first movement element coupled to the user support, the first movement element comprising: a first column; and a first connecting element comprising a first pivot point such that the user support is able to pivot about a first axis associated with the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is movably coupled to the first column such that it is able to move along a first path; and a second movement element coupled to the user support, the second movement element comprising: a second column; and a second connecting element comprising a second pivot point such that the user support is able to pivot about a second axis associated with the second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element is movably coupled to the second column such that it is able to move along a second path.