Muscle Training Device With Electrically Adjustable Spring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional muscle training devices with weights pose risks of injury due to high initial stress on joints and ligaments, require large training areas, and lack precise weight adjustment, making them unsuitable for beginners and space-constrained environments.

Innovation Solution

A muscle training device with a spring arrangement that is electrically adjustable in length, allowing for continuous and precise adjustment of training weight, reducing the risk of injury and minimizing space requirements through a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional weight-based muscle training devices are used, then training force is available immediately, but the risk of injury to joints and ligaments increases due to high initial stress

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstress on joints and ligaments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arrangement is pre-loaded to a defined initial length before training begins, storing elastic energy that gradually releases during the exercise. This preliminary action creates a progressive force curve where the training resistance increases gradually from zero to maximum, rather than being immediately applied to the joints and ligaments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the physical parameter of spring pre-load length to control the force output. By electrically adjusting the spring arrangement to different initial lengths, the system modifies the elastic potential energy stored in the spring, thereby controlling the progressive training force applied to the user's muscles while minimizing initial stress on connective tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If traditional weight training devices are used, then sufficient training area is provided, but the device occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining areaVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight stack system with an electrically controlled spring arrangement. This substitution eliminates the need for large vertical space required for weight stacks and pulley systems, allowing the device to be compact while still providing sufficient training area through the lever arm mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arrangement is integrated within the lever arm structure, with the spring housed inside or adjacent to the lever arm mechanism. This nesting arrangement minimizes the device's footprint by combining multiple functional elements into a compact configuration that provides full training capability in a small space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If fixed weight increments are used in traditional devices, then weight adjustment is simple, but precise weight adjustment to the nearest gram is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical weight adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control system that uses a controller to electrically adjust the spring arrangement's pre-load length. This substitution enables precise digital control of the training force, allowing adjustment to the nearest gram or even finer increments, while the controller handles the complexity of the adjustment algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from static fixed weight settings to dynamic electrical adjustment of the spring pre-load length. The controller can modify the spring arrangement's initial length in real-time based on programmed parameters, enabling continuous and precise weight adjustment throughout the training session rather than requiring discrete mechanical changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If mechanical adjustment mechanisms are used, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but the user cannot adjust length without leaving training position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment convenienceVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrical adjustment system controlled by a controller. The controller electrically actuates the spring arrangement's length adjustment through motors or actuators, allowing the user to modify training parameters without leaving their training position. This substitution adds control complexity but dramatically improves operational convenience and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The device ensures greater safety and well-being by gradually increasing training weight, reducing the risk of injury, and allowing precise weight adjustment to the gram, while occupying less space, enabling effective training in smaller areas.

Implementation Method 1

the means (8) for generating a pulling force being designed as a spring arrangement (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3104942B1Muscle training device
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 NEUWALD PETER
  • EP3104942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3104942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3104942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a muscle training device comprising a tension element (18), a handle (23) and means (8) for generating a traction force. Said means (8) for generating a traction force are embodied as a spring arrangement (8), one end thereof engaging with a first point (4) of a lever arm (6). Said tension element (18) engages with a second point of the lever arm (6), said second point being at a distance from the first point (4). Said muscle training device is characterised in that the other end of spring arrangement (8) is fixed by means of a continuous and electrically length-adjustable arrangement.