Repositionable Load Arm Mechanism for Exercise Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional exercise machines are bulky, inconvenient, and expensive, requiring laborious configuration changes for adjustments in load or resistance, and often lack flexibility in positioning pulley systems, making them unsuitable for home use and prone to maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable load arm mechanism with a carriage that moves along a column, providing three degrees of freedom, and a locking system using a solenoid and sagittal gear to securely position the load arm, allowing easy adjustment and secure locking without the need for complex or heavy components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed exercise machine systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reconfiguration system where the pulley assembly can be moved along the frame between multiple predetermined positions. The carriage mechanism with rollers allows the pulley assembly to transition between locked positions, enabling the exercise machine to adapt to different user needs and exercise types while maintaining structural stability when locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pulley assembly into separable components including the pulley, carriage, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the pulley assembly to be independently repositioned along the frame without affecting the entire machine structure, thereby improving adaptability while preserving overall structural integrity through the use of predetermined locking positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional laborious configuration changes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates predetermined positions along the frame with corresponding locking mechanisms prepared in advance. These pre-configured positions allow users to quickly reposition the pulley assembly by simply engaging the carriage with the next predetermined position, eliminating the need for complex assembly disconnection and reconnection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external tools or assistance. The rollers and locking mechanism work together to enable the user to independently reposition the pulley assembly between predetermined positions, making the configuration change process simple and self-service oriented.
3Device complexity
If fixed pulley positions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal repositioning system where the carriage and locking mechanism can accommodate the pulley assembly at multiple predetermined positions along the frame. This multi-position capability allows a single exercise machine to perform multiple exercise functions and adapt to different user requirements without requiring separate machines or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed pulley position to a dynamic multi-position system. The carriage with rollers enables smooth movement of the pulley assembly between predetermined positions, while the locking mechanism ensures stability at each position. This dynamic design provides adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If removable fasteners and tools are used for reconfiguration, then ease of reconfiguration is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reconfiguration function into a dedicated carriage mechanism with integrated locking features. This separate locking mechanism engages with predetermined positions on the frame, providing secure attachment without requiring removable fasteners or external tools. The extraction of this function into a specialized mechanism improves both ease of reconfiguration and reliability of the connection.
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 easy repositioning of load arms with minimal effort and secure locking, reducing maintenance needs and providing a flexible, user-friendly exercise machine that is cost-effective and suitable for home use.
Implementation Method 1
a locking system using a solenoid and sagittal gear to securely position the load arm
Implementation Method 2
a locking system using a solenoid and sagittal gear to securely position the load arm
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine comprises an arm support, including: a carriage configured to slide within a track attached to the exercise machine; and a support assembly that floats the carriage relative to the track, wherein the support assembly is disengaged by the application of force via the arm. An exercise machine comprises a rotatable column, wherein the column supports an arm, and a gear detent mechanism to support a discrete number of positions for the rotatable column. An exercise machine comprises a tiltable arm, and a mechanism to support a discrete number of positions for the tiltable arm.