Gymnastic Machine with Pivoting Backrest and Sliding Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for gymnastic exercises primarily focus on stretching a single muscle group at a time, neglecting the interconnected posterior kinematic chain, which is prone to trauma, stress, and disorders due to incorrect postures or injuries, and do not allow for simultaneous stretching of multiple joints.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a pivoting backrest and sliding carriage that allows users to move between inclined and perpendicular positions, enabling simultaneous stretching of the posterior muscles and joints through voluntary, weight-free, and ergonomic movements, utilizing kinematic connection means to transfer motion between the carriage and backrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a machine is designed to act on a single muscle group at a time, then the structure can be simple and cost-effective, but it cannot simultaneously stretch multiple joints in the posterior kinematic chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stretching functions into a single integrated machine. The back rest and carriage are connected through kinematic connection means that allow simultaneous stretching of multiple muscle groups in the posterior kinematic chain (hamstrings, glutes, lower back) through one coordinated movement, eliminating the need for separate machines for each muscle group.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal functionality to address multiple muscle groups and joint areas through a single device. The pivoting back rest and sliding carriage mechanism enable the same structure to stretch different portions of the posterior kinematic chain depending on the position and angle settings, making it a multi-functional stretching system.
2Force
If a machine uses weights to provide resistance and stretching force, then the stretching effect can be enhanced, but the machine becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The machine utilizes the user's own body weight and the mechanical advantage of the pivoting back rest and sliding carriage system to generate stretching forces. The kinematic connection means transfer the user's body weight and applied force into effective stretching action on the posterior muscles, eliminating the need for separate weight stacks or resistance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting back rest mechanism allows the user to move between different positions (inclined and perpendicular) where the gravitational force acts effectively on the posterior muscles. The system is designed so that the user's body weight can be effectively utilized for stretching purposes at different angles, making the stretching force available throughout the range of motion without requiring additional weight loading.
3Reliability
If a machine is designed with complex mechanisms to stretch the posterior kinematic chain, then the stretching effectiveness can be improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into distinct functional segments: the supporting frame, the pivoting back rest assembly, and the sliding carriage. Each segment performs a specific function in the stretching sequence, and they are connected through simple kinematic connection means. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinematic connection means act as intermediaries between the back rest and carriage, transferring motion and force in a controlled manner. These connection means use simple mechanical linkages and guides that are easy to manufacture while effectively coordinating the movement of the back rest and carriage to achieve reliable stretching of the posterior kinematic chain.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for gymnastic exercises, particularly for muscle stretching, comprising a supporting frame (2), a seat (3) which is fixed with respect to the supporting frame (2), and a back rest (5) which is pivoted to the supporting frame (2) for moving the back rest (5) between a position which is substantially inclined with respect to the seat (3) and a position which is substantially perpendicular with respect to the seat (3), the machine further comprising a carriage (8) which is slidingly associated with the supporting frame (2) and is functionally connected to the back rest (5) by way of kinematic connection means (15, 16, 17) for transferring the motion of the carriage (8) to the back rest (5) and/or vice versa.