Muscle Training Apparatus Curved Surface Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle training devices face challenges in easily adjusting the articulation point of the compression spring element along the power arm, leading to potential misalignment and discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a first articulation surface with a curvature that engages with complementary second articulation surfaces along the power arm, secured by an additional spring element, ensuring correct alignment and easy adjustment of the force counteracting the power arm's actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pin and bore mechanism is used to adjust the compression spring element position, then the articulation point can be adjusted along the force arm, but the adjustment process becomes complicated and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved articulating surfaces instead of pin-and-bore mechanisms. The first articulating surface on the compression spring element engages with complementary second articulating surfaces on the force arm, allowing smooth adjustment without precise alignment requirements. This curved surface engagement eliminates the complexity of inserting pins into bores while maintaining adjustable articulation points along the force arm.
2Reliability
If a pin mechanism is used to fix the compression spring element, then the articulation can be secured, but there is a risk of incorrect insertion leading to unintentional shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary curved articulating surfaces automatically guide the compression spring element into correct engagement with the force arm. The geometry of the curved surfaces ensures proper alignment without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances or careful manual insertion, thereby preventing unintentional shifting during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface mechanism is self-aligning, meaning the components automatically find their correct engagement position through the geometry of the surfaces themselves. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise external alignment or complex locking procedures, ensuring reliable articulation while simplifying the adjustment process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for adjustment mechanism, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and articulation function into a single integrated curved surface engagement system. Instead of separate pin, bore, and locking components, the complementary curved surfaces perform both the adjustment and securing functions simultaneously, reducing the number of parts while maintaining full adjustability and reliability.
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
This configuration allows for simple and precise adjustment of the force, preventing misalignment and enabling a compact, aesthetically designed muscle training device with reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
one end region of a compression spring element (9) is articulated at a first pivot point (7) on this force arm (2), while the other end region (11) is articulated at a second pivot point (12) on this holding element (6)
Implementation Method 2
the force arm (2) can be pressed against one end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) via a further spring element (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for training muscles comprises a power arm (2) that can pivot about a pivot pin (5) located on a holding element (6). The first linkage point (7) at which a compression spring element (9) is linked to the power arm (2) can be adjusted along the power arm (2). In order to be able to do so, one end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) has a first joint surface (14), and a series of second joint surfaces (16) which are complementary to the first joint surface (14) is located across an adjustment zone (10) along the power arm (2). The first joint surface (14) can be operatively connected to one of the second joint surfaces (16), and the power arm (2) is pressed by another spring element (18) against the one end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) such that the two operatively connected joint surfaces remain in contact with each other. This makes it easy to adjust the force to be applied to the power arm.