Pivoting Exercise Arms with Elastomeric Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal exercise devices limit resistance training to one direction, requiring users to reconfigure the device or change grips to work opposing body parts, which is inefficient and disrupts continuous motion.
Innovation Solution
A personal exercise device with pivotally coupled arms and handle assemblies connected by tension members, allowing resistance in two linear directions without user repositioning or grip changes, utilizing an elastomeric resistance element for consistent force across the range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device provides resistance in only one direction, then the device structure is simpler, but the user must reconfigure the device or change grips to work opposing body parts, which increases exercise duration and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is designed to provide resistance in two opposing directions (adduction and abduction) using a single configuration. The first and second arms with handle assemblies can resist motion in both directions without requiring the user to reconfigure the device or change grips, making the device multi-functional for working opposing body parts equally
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses movable arms pivotally coupled at a pivot point, allowing the arms to move dynamically in response to user force applications. The first arm moves in response to force on the first handle, and the second arm moves in response to force on the second handle, enabling continuous motion without fixed resistance directions
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device requires user repositioning or grip changes to resist motion in opposite directions, then the resistance mechanism is simpler, but time is wasted on reconfiguration, increasing exercise duration
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous exercise action by resisting motion in two opposing directions without requiring the user to stop, reposition, or reconfigure. The user can continuously apply forces in alternating directions (adduction and abduction) maintaining uninterrupted workout flow and reducing exercise duration
3Ease of operation
If the device allows resistance in two opposing directions without reconfiguration, then continuous motion is enabled, but the device structure and mechanism become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: first arm with first handle assembly, second arm with second handle assembly, and a resistance member. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated interaction enables two-directional resistance. The arms are pivotally coupled to allow independent movement in response to user forces
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 continuous motion in two opposing linear directions without device reconfiguration or grip adjustments, providing a more effective and efficient workout by maintaining consistent resistance throughout the exercise.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric resistance element with a known resistance force. The elastomeric resistance element may be configured with a plurality of spokes between a hub and an outer rim. The spokes are configured to wrap and stretch about the hub upon rotation of the hub relative to the rim.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.