Pivoting Gymnastic Trainer with Automatic Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tumbling and vaulting training equipment is bulky, difficult to move, requires significant storage space, and is not effective in teaching fundamental vaulting skills, as it cannot assist in learning horizontal propulsion movements necessary for handspring and walkover vaults, and requires frequent manual adjustments by a coach.

Innovation Solution

A portable gymnastic trainer assembly comprising a pivot trainer and a chock made from resilient foam, which automatically returns to its starting position after use, allowing for minimal coach adjustment and easy conversion between tumbling and vaulting training, while being lightweight and space-efficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tumbling trainer is used, then tumbling training function is provided, but the equipment is bulky and requires significant storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining functionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both tumbling trainer and vaulting trainer into a single integrated device. The trainer features a V-shaped configuration with a apex that can serve both tumbling routines (where the student jumps against the rotating trainer) and vaulting routines (where the student propels over the trainer). This merging eliminates the need for separate bulky equipment for each training type, reducing storage space requirements while maintaining full training functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trainer is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it can be used for teaching tumbling routines (handsprings, walkovers) and vaulting routines (handspring vaults, walkover vaults). The V-shaped structure with adjustable weights allows the same physical object to serve different training purposes, making the equipment versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized trainers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tumbling trainer is used, then tumbling training is enabled, but the equipment is heavy and difficult to move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining capabilityVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trainer is constructed with a flexible cover that envelops the V-shaped structure and weights. This flexible covering allows the trainer to be more lightweight compared to conventional rigid trainers while maintaining structural integrity and training effectiveness. The flexibility also enables easier manipulation and movement of the device during training activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If conventional tumbling trainer is used, then tumbling practice is supported, but frequent manual adjustment by coach is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining supportVSAvoidcoach adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trainer incorporates an automatic resetting mechanism through strategically placed weights within the V-shaped structure. After the trainer is pushed over during a tumbling or vaulting routine, the weights automatically cause the trainer to return to its starting position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the time coaches would otherwise spend manually resetting the trainer between student attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trainer allows for parameter changes through adjustable weights that can be positioned at different locations within the V-shaped structure. By changing the weight position, the trainer's center of gravity changes, which affects its rotation characteristics and resetting behavior. This parameter adjustability enables customization for different training levels and routines while maintaining automatic resetting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-function trainers are used, then specialized training is provided, but conversion between tumbling and vaulting use is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized training functionVSAvoidconversion complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The portable trainer assembly enables efficient learning of both tumbling and vaulting routines with minimal coach intervention, promoting correct form through weighted resistance and automatic resetting, and facilitates storage and movement due to its lightweight and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

The shape of the trainer and weights placed in the trainer force the student to use correct form while performing tumbling routines. After the student completes a tumbling routine, the weights automatically pivot the trainer back to its start position without rocking for use in performing another routine.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

weights placed in the trainer force the student to use correct form while performing tumbling routines. the weights automatically pivot the trainer back to its start position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight distribution:

Implementation Method 3

The trainer and chock are made from a single rectangular block of resilient foam material to reduce cost.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

resilient foam material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption:

Data Source

PatentUS7901328B1Gymnastic trainer assembly

Publication Date: 2011.03.08 RESILITE SPORTS PRODS

AI summary

A tumbling and vaulting trainer assembly configurable for performing either tumbling or vaulting routines. The assembly includes a pivoting trainer for tumbling routines and a chock used in with the pivoting trainer portion for vaulting routines.