Sliding Gripping System for Modular Exercise Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise equipment with elastic or rigid bands is inefficient in space use, designed for individual use only, and lacks adjustable height, leading to increased costs, wear, and safety risks due to fixed structures and inadequate support for multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A modular structure with a sliding gripping system that allows multiple users to exercise simultaneously, accommodating different band types and adjustable height, featuring a hook with swivel joint and counterweight for smooth movement and reduced wear, and a design that tolerates varying surfaces and forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed supporting structure is used for exercise equipment, then the structure provides stable support, but it cannot be adjusted to different heights and causes wear on the supporting object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable heightVSAvoidwear on supporting object
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a sliding mechanism that allows the gripping means to move dynamically along the supporting structure. The gripping means can slide up and down the supporting element, enabling height adjustment while maintaining a reliable connection through the sliding interface that distributes forces along the supporting structure rather than concentrating wear at fixed attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual exercise structures are provided for each user, then each user has dedicated support, but it increases costs and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple users simultaneouslyVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single supporting structure that can accommodate multiple gripping means, each capable of being adjusted to different heights and positions. This universal structure allows multiple users to exercise simultaneously at different stations along the supporting element, eliminating the need for separate individual structures and reducing both space requirements and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping system is fixed in position, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different exercise heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevarying heightsVSAvoidsliding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gripping system into separate modular components: the gripping means and the supporting structure. The gripping means can be independently manufactured as a simple unit and then attached to the supporting structure at various positions. This segmentation allows for varying heights without requiring a complex integrated design, as each component can be manufactured separately and assembled in different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If the structure is designed for maximum strength, then it can tolerate high forces, but it increases the weight and complexity of the structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce toleranceVSAvoidstructure weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the structural strength and force tolerance at specific critical points where the gripping means attaches to the supporting structure, rather than making the entire structure uniformly heavy. The supporting structure can be designed with appropriate strength at the attachment points while maintaining lighter construction in other areas, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 modular structure enables efficient use of space, allows multiple users to exercise comfortably, reduces band wear, and provides adjustable height and support for various exercises, enhancing safety and usability while accommodating different surfaces and forces.

Implementation Method 1

gripping means (300) are composed, in a particular embodiment, mainly of: a hook (26); a swivel joint (29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwivel joint rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

gripping means (300) are composed, in a particular embodiment, mainly of: a hook (26); a swivel joint (29); a counterweight (54)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3369463B1Slidable gripping system and modular physical exercise structure containing said system
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 ESTRADA ESTRADA CARLOS ARTURO
  • EP3369463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention comprises a gripping system that slides along a surface and a modular structure that incorporates this gripping system for performing physical exercise having a plurality of exercise places that can be used simultaneously. The sliding gripping system of the modular structure allows varying the height of the anchoring point where the exercise bands or ropes are attached. A subject matter of the present invention is providing a station for performing physical exercise with resistance bands that is flexible, easy to user and is capable of accommodating different types of resistance bands and other exercise apparatuses that require anchorage to a physical object.