Sliding Shoulder Exercise Machine with Elastic Resistance
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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, specificity for single shoulder region exercises, and providing inadequate resistance and forearm/wrist support.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder exercise machine designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to use, featuring a sliding mechanism with an elongate elastic resistance member, forearm and wrist support, and interchangeable handles, allowing for controlled linear motion and adjustable resistance.
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 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 employs a dynamic sliding mechanism where the upper member can move linearly along the lower member. This dynamic structure allows the resistance to be adjusted by changing elastic members, and the machine itself can be easily reconfigured for different exercises, reducing the need for heavy fixed structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing machines are designed for dual shoulder exercise, then they serve both shoulders, but they cannot isolate single shoulder region for targeted rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle position on the upper member can be adjusted to different locations along the sliding path, and the user's body position can be changed, allowing the same machine structure to perform both single-shoulder and dual-shoulder exercises. This dynamic reconfigurability provides versatility without requiring complex mechanical changes
3Ease of operation
If existing machines allow free weight lifting, then they provide full range of motion, but they do not provide sufficient forearm and wrist support for isolated shoulder muscle focus
Solution Approach 1:
The forearm support function is extracted as a separate, simple component - a padded surface on the upper member - rather than being integrated into a complex mechanical support system. This allows the support function to be added without significantly increasing overall machine complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing machines are mechanically complex, then they provide multiple exercise options, but they become difficult to use and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into simple, independent components: a lower member with sliding mechanism, an upper member with handle, and interchangeable elastic members. Each component has a single clear function, making the overall system easier to understand and use while still providing exercise variety through component reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The machine relies on a simple dynamic sliding motion rather than complex mechanical linkages. The upper member slides linearly along the lower member, providing exercise variety through changes in resistance members, handle positions, and user body orientation rather than through complex mechanical transformations
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
Enables effective and controlled exercise for impaired users by providing a compact, user-friendly machine that isolates the shoulder muscles with adjustable resistance, suitable for rehabilitation purposes.
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 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 may have at least one 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.