Pilates Chair Rotary Arm Torque Unit for Adjustable Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Pilates exercise chairs have limited versatility due to restricted spring tension between the chair seat and foot support, limiting the range of exercises that can be performed without changing coil springs.
Innovation Solution
The chair exercise apparatus features a rotary arm torque unit with a cassette housing containing multiple flat coil springs and selectors, allowing for adjustable tension by selectively engaging springs, providing a wider range of resistance levels and increased versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coil spring configuration is used in the chair exercise apparatus, then the device structure remains simple, but the versatility and range of resistance levels are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single coil spring system is segmented into multiple individual coil springs, each with different spring rates. This allows selective engagement of specific springs to provide different resistance levels, thereby increasing versatility without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring selection mechanism enables a single exercise chair to perform multiple functions by accommodating different spring configurations. The same basic apparatus can provide various resistance levels for different user needs and exercise requirements, making it universally applicable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil springs with different tensions are provided, then the versatility and range of exercises increase, but the device complexity and spring changing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coil springs with different spring rates are pre-installed in the chair frame, arranged in different configurations. This preliminary preparation allows users to quickly access and select the appropriate spring tension without needing to source or install new springs during exercise sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring selection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple coil springs. This mechanism simplifies the spring changing process by providing a user-friendly interface for selecting different spring configurations, reducing the time and effort required to adjust resistance levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring anchor configuration is expanded to three different heights, then some versatility is improved, but the overall range of tensions and exercise options remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor configuration is segmented into multiple height positions (at least three different heights) on the chair frame. This segmentation allows the spring attachment point to be selectively positioned at different heights, creating varied tension configurations and expanding the range of exerciser options beyond what a single anchor point provides.
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
This design enhances the chair's versatility by allowing users to perform a broader range of exercises with adjustable resistance, improving the effectiveness of Pilates workouts without the need to change coil springs.
Implementation Method 1
Each rotary arm torque unit includes a plurality of flat coil springs
Implementation Method 2
Each rotary arm torque unit includes a plurality of selectively engageable rotary springs fastened to a common axle
Data Source
AI summary
A Pilates chair exercise apparatus has a frame configured to rest on a horizontal surface, an inverted Y shaped seat support member fastened to an upper portion of the frame, a seat fastened to an upper end of the seat support, and a pair of parallel arms each having a proximal end fastened to the frame and a foot support fastened to a distal end of each of the arms, wherein each arm is biased away from the frame. One foot support carries a retractable member therein configured to engage a portion of a corresponding opposite foot support to selectively lock the foot support and the corresponding opposite foot support together.