Self-Adjusting Roller for Exercise Equipment Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise equipment pads often require frequent adjustment to accommodate users of varying heights, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in shared gym or home settings.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting roller with a connection assembly that allows the pad to be selectively locked or free-float, featuring a pin receiver and rotating connection that enables 360-degree adjustability and secure attachment to an exercise machine via a hex port sleeve, allowing users to choose between locked and free configurations for easy adaptation to different heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is locked at a fixed position, then the pad provides stable support for a specific user height, but the pad requires frequent manual repositioning to accommodate different users
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is designed to self-adjust during use through body weight application. When a user applies their body weight to the pad, it automatically rolls to the appropriate position without requiring manual adjustment, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate time loss from repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly incorporates a rotating connection that allows the pad to dynamically change position. The roller mechanism enables the pad to move along the exercise machine post, transitioning from a static locked position to a dynamic self-adjusting system that adapts to different user heights.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is allowed to free-float and self-adjust, then the pad adapts automatically to different user heights, but the connection assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a rotating connection for angular adjustment, a roller mechanism for positional adjustment, and a locking mechanism for securing the pad. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing overall complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the pad at fixed positions, allow free rotation for angular adjustment, and enable rolling motion for positional adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, managing complexity by combining several functions into a single integrated assembly.
3Reliability
If the pad is selectively lockable, then the pad provides secure attachment at desired positions, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to the connection assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A pin serves as an intermediary element between the rotating connection and the roller mechanism. The pin can be inserted through aligned apertures in both components to lock them together, providing a simple mechanical intermediary that secures the connection without requiring a complex integrated locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
Apertures are pre-positioned in the rotating connection and roller mechanism at specific locations. These pre-positioned apertures allow for quick locking by simply inserting the pin when the components are in the desired position, eliminating the need for complex locking procedures or multiple adjustment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting roller for user with an exercise machine includes a plate with apertures extending through the plate; a rotating connection extending from the plate, the rotating connection having a center body with a member extending therefrom and a support extending therefrom, the center body having a center axis around which the center body can rotate; a pin receiver coupled to the center body via the member; and a pin extending into the pin receiver, the pin receiver selectively supporting the pin in a locked configuration and in a free configuration. When in the locked configuration, the pin extends through a selected one of the apertures; and when in the free configuration, the pin is retained out of any of the apertures. A user engageable apparatus is coupled to the support.