Outdoor Exercise Equipment Storage With Mobile Access Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for outdoor exercise equipment that allows authorized users to access and use portable items of exercise equipment while ensuring the equipment is available for others and preventing theft or damage, as existing outdoor equipment is often permanently attached to the ground due to theft and misuse concerns.

Innovation Solution

An exercise apparatus with a support element, a container for storing exercise equipment, a movable closure element with a lock, and a control device that communicates with a user's mobile device for authorization, along with a weight sensor to monitor equipment use and replacement, enabling secure access and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If outdoor exercise equipment is permanently attached to the ground, then theft and damage are prevented, but the equipment cannot be accessed by multiple users and is less versatile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of theft and damageVSAvoidaccessibility to multiple users

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic locking system that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on authorization signals. The container is permanently attached to the ground for security but includes a movable closure element that can be opened by authorized users through wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between fixed security and flexible access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the exercise equipment and users. This control device receives authorization signals from personal mobile devices and manages the locking mechanism, enabling secure yet accessible outdoor exercise equipment that can serve multiple users while preventing unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If portable exercise equipment is provided in public areas, then user convenience is improved, but theft and misuse become major concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidtheft and misuse

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the exercise equipment automatically manages its own security and access control. The weight sensor detects when equipment is removed or returned, and the control device automatically updates the locking state based on these detections, eliminating the need for manual security management while preventing theft and misuse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through weight sensors that continuously monitor the storage volume. When exercise equipment is removed or returned, the sensor detects the weight change and provides feedback to the control device, which then adjusts the locking state accordingly, creating a responsive security system that adapts to user actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure outdoor exercise equipment, then theft prevention is improved, but user access becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidaccess mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic control system that communicates wirelessly with personal mobile devices. The releasable lock is actuated by electrical signals from the control device based on authorization tokens, simplifying user access while maintaining security and reducing mechanical complexity

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

Enables outdoor exercise with portable equipment by ensuring authorized users can access and return the equipment, preventing theft and damage, and providing monitoring and communication features for efficient use and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a weight sensor that senses a weight value associated with the items of exercise equipment stored in the storage volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS12465840B2Exercise apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SWING FITNESS LTD

AI summary

An exercise apparatus comprises a support element (4) for physically supporting a user (6), a container (10) having a storage volume, and one or more items of exercise equipment (12) configured to be stored in the storage volume. The container includes an access opening (14) providing access to the storage volume, a closure element (16) and a releasable lock (18) for locking the closure element in the closed position. A control device (20) is configured to communicate with a personal mobile device (26) associated with a user and exchange control signals including an authorisation signal that authorises use of the exercise apparatus. The control device (20) is configured to receive a weight signal from a weight sensor associated with the storage volume and detect from said weight signal the removal and replacement of items of exercise equipment in the storage volume.