Pilates Holding Bar Coupling for Easier Angle and Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Pilates exercise apparatuses lack a flexible and easy-to-use adjustment system for the holding bars, which are often difficult for users to adjust, particularly female users, due to fixed points and inefficient mechanisms, limiting their ability to perform exercises in various positions and angles.

Innovation Solution

A modular adjustment device with a flange and coupling mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment, featuring adjustable fastening holes on a cylindrical tube, enabling users to adjust the turning angle, height, and distance of the holding bars, providing flexibility and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a draw pin mechanism is used for adjusting the turning angle of holding bars, then the holding bars can be fastened to fixed points, but the adjustment becomes particularly difficult for female users and reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the draw pin from the system entirely, replacing it with a draw loop mechanism. The draw loop allows users to pull and adjust the holding bar position without needing to manipulate a small pin, thereby maintaining secure fastening while dramatically improving ease of operation for all users including female users who may have difficulty with fine motor manipulation of pins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a pin that requires insertion and extraction through small holes, the invention inverts the approach by using a loop that is pulled through larger holes. This reversal of the fastening mechanism makes the adjustment process more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If holding bars are fastened to fixed points on the Pilates apparatus, then the structure remains simple, but the apparatus lacks flexibility for users to exercise in different positions and angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadjustability of positions and angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the static fixed-point attachment into a dynamic adjustable system. The holding bars can now be positioned at multiple locations along the cylindrical tube through the draw loop mechanism, and the flange assembly can be rotated to different angles. This provides adaptability for various exercise positions while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the attachment system into multiple adjustable components: the flange with rotation capability, the cylindrical tube with multiple holes at different heights and positions, and the draw loop fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of position and angle while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If protrusion-like fastening holes are used to bind the holding bar, then the connection is secure, but the adjustment mechanism becomes inefficient and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidadjustment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the protrusion-like fastening holes and replaces them with a draw loop system that passes through larger, more accessible holes in the cylindrical tube. This extraction of the problematic fastening method maintains secure connection through the loop's friction and tension while dramatically improving adjustment efficiency by allowing easy access and manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the fastening holes from small protrusion-like openings to larger circular holes that accommodate the draw loop. This parameter change in hole size and shape enables more efficient adjustment operations while maintaining reliable connection through the draw loop mechanism's ability to secure the holding bar in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3171948B1An adjustment device for exercise apparatuses
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 BASI SYST PILATES SANAYI TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3171948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171948B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3171948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adjustment device for exercise apparatuses, which comprises a flange (4), a coupling body (6) coupled to said flange (4) by means of a pressure bar (6d), adjustment protrusion (6e) and pressure pin (6g), a coupling ring (5) through which the coupling body (6) is passed, a vertical arm (8) connected to said coupling body (6) so as to be adjusted in the back and forth direction and rotationally, and a coupling arm (9) connected to said vertical arm (8).