Staged-Resistance Training Device Adapting to Joint Mechanics

Solution Overview

Problem

Current resistance training devices, such as weight machines, provide a fixed level of resistance throughout an exercise motion, failing to account for the dynamic mechanical advantage of human joints, which reduces the effectiveness of strength-building exercises.

Innovation Solution

A staged-resistance training device featuring a flexible member with adjustable length and retainer systems that allow for varying resistance levels throughout a range of motion, transitioning from one resistance magnitude to another at a customizable transition point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed level of resistance is used throughout the exercise motion, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the strength-building effectiveness is reduced due to dynamic mechanical advantage changes in joint mechanics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstrength-building effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance level changeable during the exercise motion. The resistance training device allows the resistance to transition between at least two different levels at a customizable transition point, enabling the resistance to adapt dynamically to the changing mechanical advantage of joint mechanics throughout the range of motion, thereby maintaining effective strength-building stimulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the resistance parameter during the exercise motion. The device enables adjustment of resistance levels at different stages of the motion, allowing the resistance magnitude to vary according to the mechanical advantage changes, thus optimizing the training effect while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed level of resistance is used throughout the exercise motion, then the device complexity is low, but the resistance effectiveness diminishes during parts of the motion where mechanical advantage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidresistance effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance level changeable during the exercise motion. The resistance training device allows the resistance to transition between at least two different levels at a customizable transition point, enabling the resistance to adapt dynamically to the changing mechanical advantage of joint mechanics throughout the range of motion, thereby maintaining effective strength-building stimulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the exercise motion into at least two distinct stages with different resistance levels. The transition point separates the motion into segments where each segment has an optimized resistance level相匹配 to the mechanical advantage characteristics of that portion of the motion, improving overall effectiveness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the resistance level is increased to overcome mechanical advantage, then the resistance effectiveness is improved, but the device loses adaptability to different exercise stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to exercise stages

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistance level changeable during the exercise motion. The resistance training device allows the resistance to transition between at least two different levels at a customizable transition point, enabling the resistance to adapt dynamically to the changing mechanical advantage of joint mechanics throughout the range of motion, thereby maintaining effective strength-building stimulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the exercise motion into at least two distinct stages with different resistance levels. The transition point separates the motion into segments where each segment has an optimized resistance level相匹配 to the mechanical advantage characteristics of that portion of the motion, improving overall effectiveness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10758766B2Staged-resistance training device and method of use

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 FARIAS JOEL

AI summary

A staged resistance training device is described. When performing an exercise motion, normal human joint mechanics often mean less effort is needed in the later stages of a resistance exercise motion than at the beginning of the motion. The staged resistance training device is configured to allow a user, such as a weightlifter using a training machine having a series of resistive elements, to perform an exercise repetition with staged resistance forces experienced during the repetition. A range of motion of the exercised body part is opposed during a first stage of the motion by an initial resistance, transitioning to a second, greater resistance in a later second stage of the exercise motion. The staged resistance training device provides a means wherein the user can apply increased resistance to overcome an increasing mechanical advantage later during an exercise motion, versus at the motion's beginning.