Rocking Exerciser with Rotational Seat and Adjustable Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines fail to effectively target abdominal muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness with a combination of side-to-side motion and limited rotational movement, which are essential for mimicking hip movements in dance styles and maximizing core muscle engagement.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a base frame, a rocker bracket rotating about a fixed longitudinal axis, and a seat that rotates relative to the rocker bracket, featuring adjustable stops and tensioning mechanisms to control resistance, allowing for a specific range of motion that mimics Latin dance styles and focuses on core muscle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat is allowed to rotate freely 360 degrees, then the user has greater freedom of movement, but the core muscles cannot be effectively isolated and the exercise effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the seat rotation to a specific range (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than allowing full 360-degree rotation. This controlled partial rotation, combined with the rocker bracket's side-to-side motion, creates the specific hip movement pattern needed to isolate and effectively engage core muscles, particularly for mimicking Latin dance styles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rocker bracket is secured rigidly to the base frame, then the structure is more stable, but the side-to-side rocking motion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a movable connection (such as a pin or hinge joint) to secure the rocker bracket to the base frame, rather than a rigid fixed connection. This allows the rocker bracket to rock side-to-side within a controlled range while maintaining structural stability, enabling the essential rocking motion for core muscle engagement.
3Productivity
If tensioning mechanisms are added to provide resistance, then muscle engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating adjustable tensioning mechanisms (such as springs or friction-based systems) that allow users to modify the resistance level. This enables customization of the exercise intensity to match user fitness levels while maintaining effective muscle engagement, with the added benefit that the same mechanism also provides structural support and stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If support legs are made permanent, then the machine is more stable during use, but transportability and storage become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the support legs as removable, separable components that can be detached from the base frame. This allows the legs to be attached when stability is needed during exercise and removed when transport or storage is required, effectively separating the stability function from the portable configuration.
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 machine effectively improves abdominal muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness by providing a controlled side-to-side motion and rotational resistance, allowing users to isolate and develop specific muscle groups while enhancing portability and versatility through adjustable components.
Implementation Method 1
a rocker bracket secured to the base frame about a fixed longitudinal axis of rotation so that the rocker bracket rotates about the axis of rotation in a side-to-side motion relative to the base frame
Implementation Method 2
a seat rotatably attached to the rocker bracket so that the seat rotates relative to the rocker bracket
Implementation Method 3
A tensioning mechanism for the rocker bracket may include one or more springs and/or pistons
Implementation Method 4
A tensioning mechanism for the rocker bracket may include one or more springs and/or pistons
Implementation Method 5
A tensioning mechanism for the rotating seat may include a brake or other tensioning mechanism, such as a belt around the perimeter of a drum secured to the seat
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine which has a base with at least three spaced apart legs and two spaced apart handles attached to the base. A rocker assembly that includes a rocker fastener and first and second sets of spaced apart brackets is provided where the second set of brackets rotates relative to the first set of brackets along a longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation passes between the handles and is substantially parallel to the handles and the second set of brackets rotates only about the longitudinal axis of rotation. The first set of brackets is secured to the base and the second set of brackets is secured to the underside of a rotation assembly. The rotation assembly is coupled to a seat to enable rotation of the seat relative to the second set of brackets. The rotation assembly includes a stop to limit rotation of the seat.