Rotation Resistant Exercise Device With Variable Braking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held exercise devices are limited in providing variable resistance and full-body movements, primarily focusing on hand, wrist, and forearm muscles, while neglecting the engagement of upper body muscle groups like the chest, back, shoulders, and core, and lacking variability to accommodate different user strengths.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise device with hemispherical housings connected by an elongated bolt and a compressive spring, allowing for adjustable rotational resistance and multiple grip options, enabling full-body workouts by engaging core, pectoral, back, shoulders, hips, and lower body muscles through resisted twisting motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hand-held exercise devices use gravity-based resistance (dumbbells, kettle bells), then the device structure is simple, but the application is limited and cannot provide variable resistance for different muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic resistance mechanism where a spring-loaded piston moves within a cylinder, allowing the resistance to vary continuously during the exercise motion. The resistance force changes as the piston moves, providing variable resistance that adapts to different muscle groups and exercise phases without requiring multiple fixed-weight components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance parameter is changed by varying the spring constant and the position of the piston within the cylinder. By adjusting the spring compression and the piston's travel distance, the device can provide different resistance levels for different muscle groups, enabling one device to replace multiple fixed-weight equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise devices use axially aligned handles (Simon, Nieman), then the device is simple to manufacture, but it only exercises hands, wrists, and forearms and prevents full body movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal grip configuration where the handles are positioned to allow multiple gripping styles (palms facing each other, palms facing away, or side grip). This universal design enables the same device to be used for various exercise types targeting different muscle groups including chest, back, shoulders, and core, making it multi-functional without complicating the basic structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic resistance devices automatically snap back to resting state (Clementi, Roehlk), then the mechanism is simple, but resistance is only provided in one direction and cannot accommodate different user strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a spring-loaded piston system that provides resistance in both directions of movement. The spring acts as a counterweight mechanism, offering resistive force whether the user pushes or pulls, eliminating the need for automatic snap-back mechanisms while providing bidirectional resistance training that accommodates different user strengths and exercise requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices provide fixed resistance levels, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot challenge users of different strength levels or different muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance level is dynamically adjusted through the spring-loaded piston mechanism that moves freely within the cylinder during exercise. The resistance varies continuously based on the piston position and spring compression, allowing users of different strength levels to benefit from the same device without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability.
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 device provides a dynamic and efficient full-body workout by allowing resistance in both directions of movement, enhancing traditional exercises and enabling new movements that target various muscle groups simultaneously, improving balance and coordination.
Implementation Method 1
a friction-based rotation resistance mechanism that includes a compressive spring providing compression force on a brake material positioned between two housings
Implementation Method 2
a friction-based rotation resistance mechanism that includes a compressive spring providing compression force on a brake material
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device designed to strengthen the entire body, with particular focus on the upper body. The device facilitates the strengthening of the core, chest, back, shoulder, and arm muscles, and in particular muscles that move the core in the transverse plane. The device consists of two hemispherical shells, both of which have handles attached via risers. This allows the device to be gripped either by the spherical surfaces, by the handles, or a combination thereof. The hemispheres are attached to each other by means of a shaft with a variable braking mechanism. The braking mechanism can provide levels of rotational resistance from almost zero to virtually impossible to rotate, with the resistance level visibly indicated on the exterior of the device. The resistance level is changed by repeatedly rotating the two halves against each other in one direction or the other.