Sliding Pad Exercise Machine With Adjustable Resistance Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack the ability to effectively isolate and strengthen specific muscle groups without specialized equipment, and they often fail to provide sufficient resistance, leading to inefficient workouts due to improper form and lack of control over limb movement.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a track system and adjustable pads, including a stationary pad and a slidable pad connected by a track with bumpers, allowing for controlled movement and customizable resistance through a resistive member, enhancing the effectiveness of various exercise routines like lunges and other muscle-toning exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding element is used to reduce friction under the limb, then the limb can move more freely, but the exercising party cannot increase friction to maximize exercise efficiency and has little control over the direction of limb sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the friction characteristic changeable through a selectable mechanism. The sliding element can be switched between a low-friction configuration (for free movement) and a high-friction configuration (for controlled movement and exercise efficiency). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different exercise requirements, resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and control.
2Productivity
If specialized equipment is used to isolate specific muscle groups, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a multi-functional exercise device that can perform various exercises targeting different muscle groups. The apparatus includes adjustable components such as the sliding element that can be repositioned, and a resistive member that can be configured in different ways, allowing the same device to facilitate multiple exercise routines (e.g., lunges, leg presses, hamstring curls). This eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining exercise effectiveness.
3Productivity
If resistance is increased to maximize exercise efficiency, then muscle strengthening is improved, but the user may not be able to control the resistance leading to improper form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Feedback principle by incorporating a controllable resistive member that provides resistance opposing the movement of the sliding element. The resistance can be adjusted to match the user's strength level, and the system provides mechanical feedback through the track and bumper constraints that guide proper movement form. This ensures that increased resistance does not compromise form control, as the track geometry and bumper positions provide inherent guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus may include a track having a first end and a second end, and a first pad fixedly attached to the first end of the track. The first pad may include a pedestal, a support structure attached to a lower surface of the pedestal and extending generally downwards therefrom, and an attachment member extending from a surface of the support structure to an outer edge of the pedestal. The exercise apparatus may also include a second pad slidably coupled to the track. The second pad may include a slidable vehicle and a top pad fixedly connected to the slidable vehicle. The exercise apparatus may further include a first bumper and a second bumper connected to the track. The first bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the first end, and the second bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the second end.