Shoulder Exercise Machine Sliding Resistance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder exercise machines are not suitable for impaired or recovering users as they are large, heavy, cumbersome, and complex, lacking portability, specific resistance control, and forearm/wrist support, making them unsuitable for rehabilitation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder exercise machine designed for single-arm use, featuring a sliding mechanism with an elongate elastic resistance member, forearm and wrist support, and adjustable resistance levels, allowing for controlled linear motion and ease of use, setup, and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing shoulder exercise machines are designed for weight lifting, then they provide sufficient resistance for strong users, but they become too large, heavy, and cumbersome for impaired users who need low resistance and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into multiple interchangeable elastic members (bands) with different resistance levels. Users can select appropriate resistance members based on their strength, allowing the same machine to serve both impaired users needing low resistance and strong users needing high resistance, without requiring multiple separate machines
Solution Approach 2:
The machine uses elastic members whose resistance characteristics can be changed by selecting different bands or adjusting their configuration. This allows the resistance parameter to be dynamically adjusted to match user needs, eliminating the need for heavy, fixed-resistance machinery
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing machines are designed for two-shoulder exercise, then they provide comprehensive workout coverage, but they cannot isolate single shoulder region for targeted rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The machine features dynamically adjustable components including removable handles, adjustable forearm supports, and reconfigurable resistance member attachments. These dynamic elements allow the same basic structure to be quickly reconfigured for different exercise types (pushing vs. pulling, left vs. right shoulder) without complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed as a universal rehabilitation device that can perform multiple functions: exercising either shoulder independently, supporting both pushing and pulling motions, and accommodating various resistance levels. This multi-functionality is achieved through simple, interchangeable components rather than complex mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If existing machines allow free weight lifting, then they permit natural range of motion, but they do not provide controlled linear motion for safe rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The machine introduces guided rails or tracks as intermediary structures between the user's movement and the resistance application. These rails constrain the motion to a safe linear path while still allowing full range of motion within that constraint, providing both freedom of movement and reliable control simultaneously
4Ease of operation
If existing machines do not provide forearm and wrist support, then they allow natural positioning, but they require energy expenditure on forearm and wrist muscles rather than isolating shoulder muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The machine extracts the forearm and wrist support function from the user's own muscles and provides it through external mechanical supports. These supports cradle or stabilize the forearm and wrist, removing the need for these muscles to work during shoulder exercises and thereby isolating the shoulder muscles for targeted rehabilitation
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 a safe and effective way for impaired users to exercise their shoulder region with controlled resistance, promoting rehabilitation by isolating shoulder muscles and reducing energy expenditure on forearm and wrist support.
Implementation Method 1
the resistance member may be at least one elongate elastic member with two opposing terminal ends
Data Source
AI summary
Shoulder exercising machines (machines) may be disclosed. Such machines might include an upper member, a lower member, and a resistance member. The upper member and the lower member may be slidingly engaged with each other. The resistance member may provide resistance with respect to the upper member sliding against the lower member. The resistance member may be at least one elongate elastic member with two opposing terminal ends. The upper member have a handle and an upper surface for supporting at least a portion of a forearm and/or a wrist of a user during exercises with the machine. The user may push or pull the handle, and slide the upper member with respect to the lower member while experiencing resistance due to the resistance member.