Rotatable Exercise Machine Screen Interface for Dual User Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machine interfaces are ergonomically unsuitable, occupying visual space and lacking necessary support points, making them impractical for various exercises and uncomfortable due to fixed screen orientations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable interface with a rotatable support and screen that can switch between two configurations, allowing the screen to adjust its display orientation based on user position, equipped with sensors to detect configuration changes and adjust display settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is fixed in a particular position, then the manufacturing is simple and inexpensive, but the ergonomic configuration is limited and uncomfortable for different exercise positions
Solution Approach 1:
The interface support is made rotatable about a horizontal axis, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between upright and overturned positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the screen to adapt to different exercise configurations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure based on existing machine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to serve multiple exercise positions and configurations through its rotatable support. The same interface structure can be used across different exercise machines and positions, providing universal adaptability without requiring multiple dedicated interfaces for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is overturned for different exercise positions, then the adaptability improves, but the visual comfort deteriorates due to inappropriate screen shapes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The screen orientation dynamically adjusts with the support rotation, automatically presenting the correct viewing angle for each exercise position. This eliminates the visual discomfort of fixed screens by ensuring the screen is always optimally oriented relative to the user's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen's orientation parameter changes based on the support's rotational position. By linking screen orientation to support position, the system automatically adapts visual parameters to match ergonomic requirements for different exercise configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the interface occupies the user's visual space, then the information display is accessible, but the practicality deteriorates due to lack of supporting points for certain workouts
Solution Approach 1:
The interface support rotates to different positions, allowing it to move between occupying visual space during seated exercises and clearing visual space during standing or dynamic exercises. This dynamic repositioning provides both information accessibility and workout practicality depending on the exercise type.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system is segmented into a rotatable support structure that can be independently positioned. This allows the interface to be separated from fixed visual space occupation, enabling it to clear the user's field of view when supporting points are needed for certain workouts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support is made rotatable to provide ergonomic flexibility, then the adaptability improves, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support utilizes existing universal components from the exercise machine structure, such as horizontal bars and hinge mechanisms already present in many machines. This approach provides configuration flexibility while avoiding the need for specialized complex mechanisms, keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface support is integrated with existing machine structures, nesting the rotatable mechanism within the framework of horizontal bars and connecting elements that are already part of the exercise machine design. This reduces additional manufacturing complexity by leveraging existing structural elements.
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 interface provides ergonomic flexibility, enhancing user comfort and practicality by adapting to different exercise positions while maintaining robustness and simplicity in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
said support is rotatably mounted, along a substantially horizontal rotational axis, with respect to said fixed portion, so as to be able to rotate between a first configuration, in which the support is raised and the screen is turned towards a first exercise position of the user, and a second configuration, in which the support is lowered and the screen is turned towards a second exercise position of the user, overturned with respect to the first configuration
Implementation Method 2
said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope and/or a position sensor and/or a proximity or contact sensor arranged to detect when reaching one or more end stops of the support with respect to the fixed portion
Data Source
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AI summary
Interface (1) for an exercise machine, comprising at least one fixed portion (2) that is integral with the exercise machine, a support (4) and, on a face of said support (4), a screen (10) for visually communicating information to the user and/or for inputting commands by the latter; wherein said support (4) is rotatably mounted, along a substantially horizontal rotational axis (k) with respect to said fixed portion (2) that is integral with the exercise machine, so as to be able to rotate between a first configuration, in which the support (4) is raised and the screen (10) is turned towards a first exercise position of the user, and a second configuration, in which the support (4) is lowered and the screen (10) is turned towards a second exercise position of the user, overturned with respect to the first configuration.