Pendulum Core Exercise Apparatus with Impact Bumpers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CrossFit training equipment such as sledgehammers and tractor tires are too bulky and impractical for personal home use, posing safety risks due to the need for proper monitoring and storage, which limits the ability to simulate effective core muscle exercises like the sledgehammer exercise.
Innovation Solution
A core exercise apparatus comprising a frame with a weighted pendulum system that mimics the motion of a sledgehammer, allowing for a safer and more practical simulation of the sledgehammer exercise without the need for bulky equipment, featuring an elongated handle, interchangeable grip, and impact-absorbing bumpers to manage momentum and reduce injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CrossFit equipment like sledgehammers and tractor tires are used, then effective core muscle training is achieved, but the equipment becomes too bulky and impractical for personal home use
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the traditional sledgehammer and tire combination into separate functional components: a handheld frame with bumper and a separate weighted pendulum. This allows the equipment to be stored in compact parts while maintaining full training functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates a simplified copy of the sledgehammer exercise experience by replicating the essential mechanics (swinging motion, impact, resistance) using a scaled-down frame and pendulum system that mimics the original equipment's function without requiring the original bulky components.
2Reliability
If conventional CrossFit equipment like sledgehammers and tractor tires are used, then effective core muscle training is achieved, but safety risks increase due to the need for professional monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a bumper on the frame that cushions the impact of the pendulum, distributing the force safely and preventing dangerous rebound effects. This built-in cushioning mechanism eliminates the need for external spotting while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper acts as an intermediary element between the pendulum and the frame, mediating the impact force to prevent direct transmission of harmful shocks to the user or surrounding environment, thereby reducing injury risk without compromising exercise intensity.
3Force
If conventional CrossFit equipment like tractor tires are used, then proper resistance for core training is provided, but storage becomes too burdensome for personal use
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into a separate weighted pendulum that can be stored independently from the frame. The pendulum's weight provides the necessary resistance force, while its compact design allows for easy storage in small spaces compared to a full-sized tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the physical parameters of the resistance system by using a concentrated weight in the pendulum rather than a large distributed mass like a tire. This maintains the required force resistance while dramatically reducing the storage footprint.
4Reliability
If conventional equipment like twenty-pound sledgehammers are used, then effective swinging exercise is achieved, but equipment management becomes too difficult for personal use
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges the handle, bumper, and mounting mechanism into a single integrated frame assembly that simplifies equipment management. The separate pendulum attaches to this integrated frame, creating a unified system that is easier to store, retrieve, and manage than separate sledgehammer and tire components.
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 effective engagement of core and secondary muscles, increasing strength and agility while reducing the risk of injury and storage burdens, allowing for a more accessible and controlled workout environment.
Implementation Method 1
A pendulum is coupled to the first plate and second plate such that the pendulum swings from the first bumper to the second bumper and from the second bumper to the first bumper
Implementation Method 2
A core exercise apparatus includes a frame, a first bumper coupled to the frame, a second bumper coupled to the frame, and a weighted pendulum
Implementation Method 3
featuring an elongated handle, interchangeable grip, and impact-absorbing bumpers to manage momentum and reduce injury risk
Data Source
AI summary
A core exercise apparatus having a frame. The frame has a first wall, a second wall, a frame roof, and a frame floor. A first bumper is coupled to the frame roof. A second bumper is coupled to the frame roof. A first plate is coupled to the first frame wall. A second plate is coupled to the second frame wall. An elongated handle is coupled to the frame floor. A pendulum is coupled to the first plate and second plate such that the pendulum swings from the first bumper to the second bumper and from the second bumper to the first bumper.