Non-linear End-of-Travel Stop for Exercise Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user-defined motion fitness equipment often features abrupt end-of-travel stops, which can be unpleasant and potentially injurious, disrupting the natural flow of exercise and failing to provide a smooth, engaging experience.
Innovation Solution
A pendulum motion-type exercise device with a non-linear end-of-travel stop mechanism, utilizing a combination of bumpers with varying stiffness profiles to gently indicate the end of travel, ensuring a safe and comfortable transition without abrupt stops, and incorporating both vertical and horizontal resistance systems for a more engaging workout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If abrupt end-of-travel stops are used in exercise equipment, then the device can prevent excessive travel and wear, but the stop is unpleasant and potentially injurious to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a bumper at the end-of-travel location to absorb and cushion the impact before the linkage assembly reaches its mechanical limit. The bumper acts as a pre-positioned protective element that mitigates the harmful effects of abrupt stops, preventing both user injury and device wear while maintaining reliable travel limitation.
2Reliability
If a stop mechanism is added to prevent excessive travel, then safety is improved, but the abrupt stop disrupts the natural flow and rhythm of exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper provides beforehand cushioning that creates a gradual deceleration rather than an abrupt stop. This cushioning effect maintains the natural flow and rhythm of exercise by allowing smooth transitions at the end-of-travel position, while still providing the safety function of preventing excessive travel.
3Ease of operation
If the exercise device allows large range of motion for natural exercise feel, then user engagement is improved, but the risk of excessive travel and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper serves as a pre-positioned safety mechanism that enables the exercise device to provide a large range of motion for natural exercise feel while preventing excessive travel. The cushioning effect occurs before the linkage assembly can reach positions that would cause injury or device damage, thus allowing generous travel limits without increasing risk.
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 allows for a smooth, natural exercise experience with varied resistance, exercising multiple muscle groups over a large range of motion, while preventing excessive travel and wear, thus enhancing user engagement and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a non-linear end-of-travel stop mechanism, utilizing a combination of bumpers with varying stiffness profiles
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes a foot member configured to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis, the foot member supporting a footpad, a first surface coupled to the foot member to pivot with the foot member about the horizontal pivot axis, a second surface stationarily supported by the frame, and a bumper between the first surface and the second surface. The bumper resiliently compresses during pivoting of the first surface in the arc towards the second surface while in contact with the first surface and the second surface.