Preloaded Resistance Pack for Exercise Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Personal resistance exercise devices are often cumbersome due to their weight, bulkiness, and the need for preloading to provide consistent resistance throughout the range of motion, making them inconvenient for use and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A resistance pack with an elastomeric resistance element and a hub mechanism that allows for preloading by rotating wings to stretch spokes, providing consistent resistance and facilitating easy alignment and coupling with other packs or exercise devices, along with an exercise device that incorporates pivotable arms and sensors for resistance tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional weights are used for resistance exercise, then resistance force is provided, but the device becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weights with an elastomeric resistance element that provides resistance through elastic deformation rather than gravitational force. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy weights while maintaining resistance functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between providing resistance force and minimizing device weight.
2Weight of moving object
If resistance mechanisms are made lighter, then portability improves, but the mechanisms become complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance pack is segmented into distinct functional components: an elastomeric resistance element with hub and spoke structure, a separate preload mechanism with wings, and coupling interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining lightweight portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preload mechanism is designed to be user-operable without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The wings rotate to automatically tension the elastomeric element, and the ratchet mechanism self-locks the preload position, eliminating the need for complex manual preloading procedures.
3Device complexity
If resistance mechanisms resume neutral state when un-actuated, then the mechanism simplifies, but resistance is zero or very low through initial portion of range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preload mechanism that tensions the elastomeric resistance element before exercise begins. The wings rotate to wind the elastomeric element around the hub, creating initial tension that ensures resistance is present from the start of the exercise range of motion, eliminating the zero-resistance period.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric resistance element with its hub and spoke structure serves as an intermediary between the preload mechanism and the exercise movement. It stores elastic potential energy when preloaded and gradually releases it during exercise, maintaining consistent resistance throughout the range of motion.
4Force
If physical preloading is required to achieve initial resistance, then resistance is provided throughout range of motion, but additional physical effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The preload mechanism is designed for easy user operation where the wings rotate to automatically tension the elastomeric element and the ratchet mechanism self-locks the position. This self-servicing design eliminates the need for complex manual preloading procedures, reducing both time and physical effort required.
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 convenient use and transportation of resistance devices by providing consistent resistance throughout the exercise range without initial preloading, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
The wings are rotated in a first direction toward the tabs causing the wings to slide over and past the tabs and at least partially stretching the spokes of the resistance element.
Data Source
AI summary
A preloaded resistance pack and exercise device. The resistance pack includes an elastomeric resistance element coupled to a hub and disposed on a plate. The hub includes a pair of radially extending wings that lie against a surface of the plate. The plate includes a pair of raised tabs that lie within a rotational path of the wings. An initial rotation of the hub relative to the plate causes the wings to slide over and beyond the raised tabs and at least partially stretches the resistance element. Interaction between the tabs and wings prevents the hub from rotating back to an initial position and maintains the resistance element in a preloaded, tensioned condition. The exercise device is configured to detect a number of the resistance packs coupled thereto as well as data associated with exercise movements employing the resistance packs.