Pneumatic Exercise Apparatus Vacuum Resistance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance training exercise machines are unsuitable for explosive weight training and plyometric exercises due to momentum exchange causing sharp snapping or jerking actions, and they provide inconsistent resistance forces over the full range of motion.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features a frame with at least one chamber containing a piston in a sealed airtight arrangement, connected to a cable assembly that creates a vacuum resistance force when the piston is pulled, allowing for consistent resistance over long distances and preventing snapping or jerking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If weights are used to provide resistance force, then resistance training can be performed, but momentum exchange causes sharp snapping or jerking actions when weights are lifted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight-based resistance system with a pneumatic system. A piston moves within a cylinder filled with compressible gas, creating resistance through gas compression rather than gravitational force from weights. This substitution eliminates momentum exchange and snapping actions while providing smooth, controlled resistance suitable for explosive and plyometric exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the resistance medium from solid weights to compressible gas. The gas pressure varies dynamically based on piston position and velocity, providing adaptive resistance that increases during explosive movements without causing harmful momentum effects. This parameter change enables safe explosive exercise performance.
2Force
If weights are used to provide resistance force, then resistance training is enabled, but the resistance force only acts over a limited travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system replaces the weight-based system, allowing the piston to travel the full length of the cylinder bore. The compressible gas provides resistance throughout the entire stroke distance, enabling exercises with extended ranges of motion that are impossible with traditional weight machines where weights hit the top of the frame.
3Force
If elastic cables or bands are used to provide resistance force, then the resistance force increases as cables are stretched, but this does not provide consistent resistance force over the full range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressible gas in a pneumatic cylinder to provide resistance, where the gas pressure can be controlled to deliver consistent resistance force throughout the full range of motion. Unlike elastic cables where force varies non-linearly with stretch, the pneumatic system maintains stable, controllable pressure that translates to consistent resistance across the entire piston travel distance.
4Force
If elastic cables or bands are used to provide resistance force, then resistance training is enabled, but these machines can lead to strain-related injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic resistance system replaces elastic cables and bands, eliminating the snap-back effect and uncontrolled recoil that occur when elastic materials are released. The gas pressure provides smooth, progressive resistance that reduces strain on muscles and connective tissues, preventing strain-related injuries while maintaining effective resistance training.
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 apparatus provides a consistent and controlled resistance force suitable for explosive and plyometric exercises, preventing injuries associated with momentum exchange and allowing for longer range of motion exercises like spider crawl.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is pulled by the cable assembly towards the second cavity end causing a vacuum to be created between the piston and the first cavity end, the vacuum thereby causing a resistance force that opposes the applied force to be exerted by the piston on the first end of the cable assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises a frame with a chamber having a piston slidable between first and second cavity ends of the chamber, and a cable assembly for pulling the piston by an applied force towards the second cavity end to cause a vacuum in the chamber to exert a resistance force on the cable assembly. A cable subassembly extends between first and second parts of the cable assembly, comprising a pulley wheel attached to the first part and a cable extending around the pulley wheel having first and second cable ends. Stoppers on the cable ends engage a bearing member to restrain movement of at least the first cable end when the second cable end is pulled relative to the pulley wheel. Releasable connector means connect the cable ends to the second part to allow a user to choose a magnitude of the resistance force opposing the applied force.