Reformer Anchor Bar Plate with Integrated Carriage Stops

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor bar and carriage stop assemblies in reformer exercise apparatuses are complex and costly due to the use of multiple separate components, which complicates maintaining a constant minimum distance between the carriage and the anchor bar as the anchor bar position is adjusted.

Innovation Solution

A simplified anchor bar and carriage stop assembly featuring an elongated anchor bar plate member with complementary slots and carriage stops that maintain a predetermined minimum distance between the carriage and the anchor bar, allowing for adjustable positioning without additional components, utilizing a pair of anchor bar support brackets with curved slots and cylindrical carriage stops with cushions for impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate component parts are used in the anchor bar and carriage stop assembly, then the assembly can maintain a constant minimum distance between the carriage and anchor bar, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant minimum distance maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of separate component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (anchor bar support brackets, curved slots, and carriage stops) into an integrated anchor bar assembly where the carriage stops are directly formed as part of the anchor bar structure. This merging maintains the constant minimum distance function while reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor bar assembly serves multiple functions: it anchors the springs to the frame, provides adjustable positioning through curved slots, and maintains the constant minimum distance through integrated carriage stops. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated carriage stop components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate component parts are used in the anchor bar and carriage stop assembly, then the assembly can maintain a constant minimum distance between the carriage and anchor bar, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant minimum distance maintenanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (anchor bar support brackets, curved slots, and carriage stops) into an integrated anchor bar assembly where the carriage stops are directly formed as part of the anchor bar structure. This merging maintains the constant minimum distance function while reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor bar assembly serves multiple functions: it anchors the springs to the frame, provides adjustable positioning through curved slots, and maintains the constant minimum distance through integrated carriage stops. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated carriage stop components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a cost-effective and simplified mechanism to maintain a consistent minimum distance between the carriage and the anchor bar across various positions, enhancing user experience and reducing manufacturing costs by integrating multiple functions into a single structure.

Implementation Method 1

The carriage is connected to a series of parallel springs or elastic members which are in turn connected to a foot end of the rectangular frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

cylindrical carriage stops with cushions for impact absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11065495B1Spring anchor bar and carriage stop assembly

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 BALANCED BODY INC

AI summary

A coil spring anchor bar and carriage stop is disclosed for use in a reformer exercise apparatus to fasten ends of one or more coil springs extending from the movable carriage to the foot end of the reformer frame. The anchor bar and carriage stop includes an elongated metal plate having a longitudinally flat straight portion extending between first and second ends, a first longitudinally straight curved portion curved in a first direction and extending between and forming part of the first and second ends, and a second curved portion between the first and second ends curved in a direction opposite the first direction. A pair of spaced apart carriage stops extend orthogonally from the straight portion engage the movable carriage to maintain a predetermined minimum distance between the anchor bar and the carriage when the anchor bar is supported from the foot end of the reformer frame.