Two-Axis Pivoting User Support with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines do not effectively engage core muscles during exercises, as they lack instability features that require users to balance and stabilize the user support, limiting the intensity and effectiveness of the workout.
Innovation Solution
A two-directional pivoting user support assembly with a manually operable locking mechanism that allows users to pivot about two axes, providing instability and requiring core muscle engagement to maintain balance, with the option to lock the support for a stable or unlock for an unstable rocking mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user support is made stationary or stable, then the exercise machine is easier to operate and more stable, but the core muscles are not effectively engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The user support is designed to be dynamically adjustable between stable and unstable modes through a locking mechanism. The support can pivot about a first axis during exercise and optionally about a second axis when unlocked, allowing transition from static stability to dynamic instability based on exercise requirements
2Productivity
If the user support is made unstable to engage core muscles, then the effectiveness of workout is improved, but the ease of operation and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a locking mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment between stable and unstable configurations. When unlocked, the support becomes unstable about the second axis, requiring core muscle engagement for stabilization, while the locking mechanism provides operational simplicity for mode switching
3Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is added to allow stable/unstable mode switching, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a lock part with an opening, a movable locking pin, and a manually operable tab. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component for easy assembly, maintenance, and operation while providing versatile stable/unstable mode switching capability
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine with a two directional pivoting user support assembly has a user support or platform which supports the user and pivots about a first pivot axis during an exercise movement, and is also pivotable about at least one second pivot axis to involve the user's core muscles in balancing and maintaining the user support in a stable position. A manually operable locking device with a simple flip switch lever is provided for selectively locking the user support against rotation about the second pivot axis, so that the user can easily chose whether to perform the exercise with a stable support or to add a level of difficulty by using the unstable seat mode and exercising core muscles during the exercise.