Pivoting Footpad Exercise Machine with Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack versatility and stability, as they often require specific orientations and do not effectively provide independent and adjustable resistance for diverse user movements, limiting the range of exercises that can be performed safely and effectively.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine features pivotally movable footpads with independent axes, a support structure that can pivot about a main axis, and adjustable resistance devices, allowing for various movements such as rotational, lateral, and reciprocating actions, with a low-profile design to prevent rocking and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise machine uses a fixed support structure, then the machine is stable, but the range of exercises is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is made dynamically movable through pivotal connections. The support structure can pivot about a main vertical axis, and footpads can pivot about horizontal axes, allowing the structure to adapt to various exercise movements while maintaining stability through controlled degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separable components including the base, support structure, and footpads that can move independently. Each component has its own pivot axes, allowing independent movement that collectively provides versatile exercise options while maintaining overall system stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the footpads are fixed to the support structure, then the structure is simple, but independent footpad movement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Each footpad is separated and mounted on its own horizontal axle, allowing independent pivotal movement. This segmentation enables each footpad to move independently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through standardized mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The footpads are made dynamically movable on horizontal axes perpendicular to the main vertical axis. This dynamic capability allows independent footpad movement for various exercise patterns while maintaining structural simplicity through straightforward pivot mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is elevated, then the machine is stable on uneven surfaces, but rocking motion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure extends close to the floor (excessive contact) to prevent rocking. By having the support structure nearly touch the floor, the design eliminates the rocking motion that would occur with elevated structures on uneven surfaces, providing maximum stability
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 enables users to perform a wide range of exercises with improved stability and adjustable resistance, allowing for independent and coordinated footpad movements, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of workouts regardless of orientation or user balance.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust component which allows pivotal movement of the support structure about the main axis, optionally against a restraining force which is generated by a frictional interaction between the thrust component and the support structure or the base
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine which includes support structure which is pivotally movable about a main axis and first and second substantially co-planar footpads which are mounted to the support structure and which are movable relatively to the support structure.