Squat Machine Support Linkage for Safer Weight Racking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing squat machines can cause injuries due to loss of center of gravity during exercises, and there is a need for a design that minimizes support member movement to enhance user safety and control.

Innovation Solution

A squat machine with a rotatable exercise member and support member, guided by a pulley system, where the support member moves between positions to avoid interference and is manipulated via a handle member connected by a connection wire, with a bias member maintaining tension to stabilize the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional squat machine with fixed foot platform and backrest is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user body types and exercise needs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user body typesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the foot platform adjustable in multiple positions and the backrest reclining at different angles, transforming a static fixed-structure machine into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the equipment to adapt to various user body types and exercise requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the foot platform into multiple adjustable positions and the backrest into different reclining angles, allowing independent adjustment of each component. This segmentation enables the machine to accommodate different user needs without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a squat machine with fixed foot platform is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation for users with different leg lengths and exercise preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operation for different usersVSAvoidfoot platform adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot platform is designed with multiple adjustable positions along the rail, transforming it from a static fixed platform to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows users with different leg lengths and exercise preferences to easily position the platform at the optimal location, improving ease of operation through simple mechanical adjustment rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the foot platform is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to provide proper support and alignment for different exercise types is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport and alignment for exerciseVSAvoidplatform adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot platform's ability to adjust to multiple positions along the rail provides dynamic adaptability for different exercise types. This ensures proper support and alignment for various squat variations (e.g., high-bar, low-bar, sumo) without requiring complex mechanisms, as the adjustment is achieved through simple positional changes on a guided rail system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4249086B1Squat machine
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 DRAX INC
  • EP4249086B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4249086B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4249086B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A squat machine is disclosed. The disclosed squat machine includes: a base frame; an exercise member which is rotatable about a first axis with respect to the base frame and capable of supporting at least one weight member; a support member which is rotatable about a second axis, which is different from the first axis, with respect to the base frame, is located on a rotation path of the exercise member, and rotates between a first position at which the exercise member is supportable and a second position out of the rotation path of the exercise member; a handle member which is formed on the exercise member to rotate about a third axis, which is different from the first axis and the second axis, so that the support member is rotated to the first position; a connection wire connecting the support member to the handle member; and a pulley guiding movement of the connection wire.