Exercise Device Roller Retainer via Inclined Guide Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices with inclined ramps face challenges in reliably and cost-effectively retaining rollers, which can lead to instability and complexity during use.
Innovation Solution
The exercise device incorporates a frame with stabilizer portions, guide mechanisms, and projection features on rollers that work together with inclined guide tracks to securely retain rollers, providing a stable and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retaining mechanisms are used for rollers on inclined ramps, then roller retention reliability may improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is integrated with the ramp structure to form a unified component, eliminating the need for separate retaining mechanisms. The retainer member includes a retaining surface that directly contacts the roller, combining the ramp support function with the roller retention function in a single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member serves multiple functions: it provides a bearing surface for the roller, retains the roller on the inclined ramp, and structures the overall ramp assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable roller retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex retaining structures are implemented, then roller stability may improve, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is designed with distinct functional segments: a bearing surface for roller contact, a retaining surface for securing the roller, and integration points for attachment to the ramp. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each functional area while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member's geometry is optimized with specific angular relationships - the retaining surface is angled relative to the bearing surface to match the ramp inclination. This parameter optimization provides stable roller retention through geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical fastening, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple retaining designs are used, then manufacturing cost may decrease, but roller retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is designed to self-retain the roller through its geometric configuration. The bearing surface and retaining surface work together to automatically secure the roller in position on the inclined ramp without requiring additional active retention mechanisms, providing reliable retention through passive geometric constraints.
4Reliability
If additional retaining components are added, then device functionality may improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member integrates multiple retention functions into a single component that works in conjunction with the ramp structure. Rather than adding separate retainers, guides, and fastening mechanisms, the design combines these functions into one unified retainer member with appropriately angled surfaces.
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
This configuration ensures smooth and stable roller movement along the tracks, reducing the likelihood of rollers separating and enhancing the overall exercise experience while simplifying the device's design and reducing fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
rollers reciprocate during exercise on an inclined ramp
Implementation Method 2
one or more rollers roll
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device as a member configured to be driven by one or more feet, a roller rotationally coupled to the first member and a first projection extending away from the first roller. The exercise device includes a roller guide including an inclined floor underlying the roller and overhang extending over the projection opposite a first side of the roller.