Static-Dynamic Exercise Apparatus Pneumatic Resistance Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses fail to switch between static and dynamic exercise modes quickly enough to maximize user benefit, limiting the effectiveness of combined strength and speed training.

Innovation Solution

A static-dynamic exercise apparatus featuring a spatially displaceable object with a resistance system that can rapidly alternate between static and dynamic modes, utilizing a pressure generator and controller to provide variable resistance, allowing for quick transitions between isometric and dynamic exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a resistance system is designed to provide high resistance for static exercise, then the resistance level is sufficient for strength training, but the switching speed to dynamic mode is too slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance levelVSAvoidswitching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The resistance system employs a movable barrier that can dynamically transition between positions. The barrier is guided by cam surfaces that enable rapid movement from a first position (blocking the piston, providing high resistance for static exercise) to a second position (allowing free movement, providing low resistance for dynamic exercise). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its resistance characteristics in real-time based on exercise mode requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a pneumatic piston-cylinder arrangement where compressed gas applies force to move the barrier. The rapid switching between static and dynamic modes is achieved through pneumatic actuation, which can quickly change the barrier position. The cam surfaces work in conjunction with the pneumatic system to ensure controlled yet rapid transitions, leveraging the fast response characteristics of pneumatic actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the resistance system uses a quick release technique with multiple varying angles, then the training effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resistance system is segmented into distinct functional components: a barrier element, cam surfaces for positional control, and pneumatic actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling the overall system to achieve multiple exercise angles and modes through coordinated operation of the segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam surfaces act as intermediary elements between the pneumatic actuator and the barrier. They translate the linear motion of the pneumatic piston into the specific angular positions required for different exercise modes, thereby simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining the ability to provide multiple varying angles for training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the static exercise is held for 2-3 seconds at 80% maximum effort, then the strength development is maximized, but the transition time to dynamic exercise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength developmentVSAvoidtransition time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-configured with cam surfaces that define the exact positions and angles for both static and dynamic exercise modes. The barrier is held in the first position by the cam geometry itself, requiring minimal additional mechanism to maintain the static hold. When transition is required, the pre-designed cam path enables immediate and smooth movement to the second position, minimizing transition time while preserving the full 2-3 second static hold duration at the required intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 rapid switching between static and dynamic exercise modes, enhancing the effectiveness of strength and speed training by allowing users to quickly release resistance and transition from high-force isometric contractions to dynamic movements, thereby improving strength speed development.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure generator generates a pressure in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere through a filter and pressurizes the ambient atmosphere to a predetermined pressure greater than that of the ambient atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure generation: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

the pressurized atmosphere is pressure regulated by a pressure regulator and transmitted through at least one pressure channel to the resistance interlock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure regulation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a rail having a length, a rail lower end and a rail upper end, slidably coupled at the first predetermined position to at least one object selected from the objects consisting of the spatially displaceable object and the force applicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3150259B1Static - dynamic exercise apparatus and method of using same
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 TEE & ELL WEIGHT LIFTING & EXERCISE ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP3150259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150259B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150259B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A static dynamic exercise apparatus is provided. A spatially displaceable object is coupled to a frame and coupled to a force applicator. A resistance system exerts a first level of resistance that prevents the movement of the object by the application of a user-applied force, thereby allowing a user to generate a static, or isometric, force on the force applicator and object. The resistance system may then be released, to allow movement of the object, thereby rapidly transmuting the static force into a dynamic movement. In various embodiments, the object is a plurality of weights, the force applicator is a weight lifting bar, and the resistance system is a pneumatically actuated piston that is capable of releasably holding the weights and weight bar to the frame.