Rack-Mounted Leg Exercise Apparatus with Constant Load Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg exercise apparatuses for weight training are bulky, heavy, and difficult to move or disassemble, leading to inefficiencies in muscle training due to inconsistent load distribution and lack of versatility in exercise starting positions.
Innovation Solution
A leg exercise apparatus designed to be compact and easily installable on a rack, featuring a rotating arm with a support means that maintains a constant distance between the weight rod and the arm, ensuring consistent load distribution and allowing for adjustable exercise configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent gym machines with pulley systems are used, then load constancy and training effectiveness are improved, but device bulk and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of load application from the complex pulley system. Instead of using a full pulley mechanism, the invention uses a simple rod with weights that can be directly attached to the bar, keeping only the necessary weight loading function while removing the bulky pulley infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having weights move through a pulley system to apply load, the invention inverts the approach by having weights remain stationary on the rod while the bar with the exercise mechanism moves, achieving load application without the intermediate pulley mechanism.
2Device complexity
If disk load systems are used, then device simplicity is improved, but training effectiveness decreases due to dead points and inconsistent load curve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rod supporting weights in a specific spatial relationship to the bar - offset laterally and positioned at a distance that ensures the weight vector remains perpendicular to the bar throughout the exercise range of motion. This dimensional positioning eliminates dead points and maintains constant load.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter of weight position from being attached at the bar's rotation axis (creating dead points) to being positioned at a specific offset distance from the axis, which maintains perpendicular force application and eliminates load inconsistencies.
3Device complexity
If the bar starts from orthogonal rest position, then device structural simplicity is improved, but exercise safety and usability worsen due to lack of visual perception and awkward starting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rest position of the bar dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed at orthogonal position. The bar can be positioned at different angles including parallel to the ground, allowing users to select safe and comfortable starting positions visible to them during the exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows users to preliminarily position the bar at the desired starting angle before beginning the exercise. This preliminary positioning ensures the bar starts in a safe, visible position rather than forcing users to begin from an awkward orthogonal position that may not be visible or safe.
4Volume of moving object
If the rod is positioned close to the rotation fulcrum, then device compactness is improved, but load perception and training effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the rod close to the fulcrum in the same plane, the invention positions the rod in a different spatial dimension - offset laterally from the bar's axis of rotation. This creates a moment arm that maintains effective load application while keeping the overall device compact.
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 more effective and versatile leg training experience by maintaining constant load throughout exercises, reducing dead points, and allowing for different exercise starting positions, thus enhancing muscle training efficacy and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first roller (10) extending away from the arm along a second direction (B), parallel to the hinge axis (X)
Implementation Method 2
a rod (11) for supporting weights
Implementation Method 3
The first end (9a) of the arm (9) is hinged to the fixing system (2) so as to be rotatable relative to a hinge axis (X)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A leg exercise apparatus (1) installable on an upright (111), for example of a rack (110), said apparatus (1) comprising: a fixing system (2), installable on the upright (111); an arm (9) extending along a first direction (A) and hinged to the fixing system (2) so as to be rotatable relative to a hinge axis (X); a first push roller (10) mounted on one side of the arm (9); a support rod (11) for weights; a support means (12) for supporting the rod (11) at a first distance from the arm (9), said support means (12) being mounted on the arm (9).