Push-Actuated Joint for Exercise Machine Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines, such as cable machines, require users to manually adjust the angle of handles or bars by removing and reinserting pins, rotating, and locking mechanisms, which is time-consuming and inefficient for targeting different muscle groups.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with an adjustable joint and locking mechanism that allows users to quickly change the angle of handles or bars by pushing a crossbar to release, rotate to desired positions, and relock, using a central pivot shaft and spring-loaded plates with protrusions and receptacles for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pin manipulation is used to adjust the angle of exercise components, then the adjustment can be secure and reliable, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pin manipulation function from the adjustment process and replaces it with a push-button release mechanism. The pin is removed as a separate manual operation and its function is integrated into an automated spring-loaded system that engages and disengages with a simple push action, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining reliability through the robust pin-and-receptacle connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service by automatically engaging the pin with the receptacle when the crossbar is pushed into position. The spring force ensures automatic locking without requiring manual intervention to secure the connection, making the system self-securing while minimizing user effort and adjustment time.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to secure adjustable joints, then the adjustment can be firmly locked, but the operation becomes complicated and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a crossbar for user interaction, a spring-loaded plate for force application, a pin for connection, and receptacles for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, resulting in a simple push action that achieves firm locking through the coordinated action of separated elements rather than a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plate acts as an intermediary between the user's push action and the pin engagement. It translates the simple pushing motion into the necessary mechanical force to drive the pin into the receptacle, mediating the interaction between user input and locking output to simplify operation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment positions are provided for different muscle groups, then the versatility of the exercise machine increases, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar with multiple receptacles serves a universal function by providing multiple adjustment positions for different exercise configurations. Instead of requiring separate mechanisms for each position, the single crossbar structure with strategically placed receptacles enables multiple muscle group targetings, making the mechanism multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 users to efficiently adjust the angle of exercise components without manual pin manipulation, allowing for targeted muscle group workouts by simply pushing to release and pulling to lock, enhancing user convenience and workout efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded plates with protrusions and receptacles for secure alignment
Implementation Method 2
protrusions and receptacles for secure alignment
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine including an adjustable joint with a first part and a second part that are shaped to rotate with respect to each other such that when an orientation between the first part and the second part changes, a position of the user contact feature also changes. The machine also includes a locking mechanism that is positioned to secure the first part and the second part together. The locking mechanism being positioned to secure the first part and the second part in an axial locking direction and to release the first part from the second part in an axial release direction. When the first part and the second part are secured, at least two first part features are interlocked with at least two second part features simultaneously.