Spring-Loaded Wheel Exercise Device for Compact Core Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact and inexpensive exercise equipment that provides effective resistance for improving muscle strength and flexibility, particularly for the core muscles, as traditional gym memberships and equipment are often expensive and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise device with a body connected to wheels and hub assemblies that store torsional energy through springs, allowing for resistance and restoring torque during movement, enabling efficient and versatile workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional gym memberships and equipment are used, then effective resistance for muscle strengthening is provided, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into separate functional modules: a body portion, wheel assemblies with hubs, and spring mechanisms. Each module can be independently positioned or removed, allowing the resistance function to be distributed across multiple compact components rather than requiring a single large piece of equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are positioned within or alongside the wheel assemblies and body structure. The springs are contained within hubs or mounted on the body frame, nesting the resistance-generating components within the structural framework to minimize overall device volume while maintaining full resistance functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gym equipment is purchased, then resistance training capability is provided, but the purchase cost and equipment bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses universal wheel assemblies that can be positioned at different locations on the body (hands, feet, knees) to perform multiple exercise types including push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges. The same basic mechanism adapts to different body parts and exercise movements, providing versatile training capability without requiring separate specialized equipment for each exercise
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms provide dynamically adjustable resistance that automatically varies with the position and movement speed of the user. As the user moves through different ranges of motion, the spring torque changes naturally, providing appropriate resistance throughout the entire exercise trajectory without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
3Force
If gym memberships are joined, then access to exercise equipment is provided, but convenience and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms automatically generate restoring torque without requiring external power sources, weight stacks, or complex control systems. The device self-regulates the resistance force based on the mechanical position and movement, eliminating the need for operators, adjustment mechanisms, or external equipment to provide the restoring force
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 device offers a cost-effective and space-efficient means to strengthen core muscles by providing adjustable resistance and facilitating various exercises, improving muscle strength and flexibility without the need for expensive gym memberships or bulky equipment.
Implementation Method 1
first and second axles connected to and rotationally locked to first and second wheels, respectively, the first and second wheels able to rotate both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions in relation to the body... a first spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle... when the first and second wheels are rotated against respective first and second spring torques, energy is stored in the first and second springs and the first and second springs apply restoring torque to the first and second wheels, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device is described. An exercise device including a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; a first axle connected to a first wheel, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub; a first spring having a first spring end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring end slidably connected to one of the first wheel and the first hub at a first junction, wherein the first junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the first hub and the first wheel and the first spring end.