Rotatable Weight Selector Mechanism for Exercise Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weight exercise machines face issues with smooth operation due to high friction, limited incremental weight adjustments, and cumbersome weight selection processes, leading to inefficient workouts and user safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A weight exercise machine design featuring a rotatable weight selector mechanism with a cam system that allows for precise association and disassociation of weights, enabling smooth weight changes and reduced friction, along with a compact profile and finer incremental weight adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weight-stack loaded machines use tubular columns for weight displacement, then weight selection is convenient, but friction generation is relatively high and weight movement is less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tubular column structure from the weight-stack machine and extracts only the essential function of weight selection. The weights are placed on a flat platform where they can be freely positioned and selected without the constraining tubular guides, thereby eliminating the high friction caused by tubular columns while retaining convenient weight selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of guiding weights through tubular columns (constraining movement), the patent inverts the approach by allowing weights to move freely on a flat surface and using a selection mechanism that engages with the weights' positions. This reversal eliminates friction-induced resistance while maintaining operational convenience.
2Measurement precision
If plate-loaded machines allow smooth operation and fine weight increments, then weight adjustment precision is improved, but user safety decreases due to loading/unloading hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions all weight plates on a single platform in advance, organized by weight value. The user simply selects the desired weight by positioning a selector pin on the corresponding plate, eliminating the need for manual loading and unloading during exercise. This preliminary arrangement maintains fine weight adjustment precision while removing safety hazards associated with handling plates during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight selection system is designed to be self-servicing during exercise. The selector pin automatically engages with the selected weight plate, and the weight is transferred to the exercise mechanism without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually load/unload plates, maintaining precision while improving safety.
3Device complexity
If weight-stack machines use tall profiles with tubular columns, then weight selection structure is simplified, but device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical tubular column structure to a horizontal flat platform arrangement. Weights are positioned laterally on the platform rather than vertically within tubes, and the selection mechanism operates in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change eliminates the need for tall profiles while maintaining structural simplicity and weight selection 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 machine provides smoother operation, finer incremental weight adjustments, and a more compact design compared to conventional machines, enhancing user safety and workout efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first shaft may include at least one cam thereon operatively associated with at least one of the at least one first weight to selectively operatively associate and to selectively disassociate the at least one of the at least one first weight with the second frame
Data Source
AI summary
A weight exercise machine may include an exercise member, one or more weights, and one or more weight selectors. When using the machine to exercise, the user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member. A weight selector may be rotated, pivoted, or otherwise moved to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weights such that displacement of the exercise member causes at least one of the weights to displace, thus providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member. The weights may include main weights and add-on weights for operative coupling to the exercise member via a movable frame. The one or more weight selectors allow for selection of different combinations of weights for providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member.