Switchable Restoring Mechanism for Exercise Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reciprocating exercising devices lack the ability to disable the restoring force, limiting their usage and requiring users to purchase separate devices without this feature.

Innovation Solution

The exercising device incorporates a fixing structure with multiple wheels and restoring mechanisms, featuring a spiral spring and belt system that can selectively accumulate energy and provide a restoring force, allowing users to switch between enabled and disabled modes through a mounting assembly with a positioning pin and compression spring mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a restoring mechanism with spring structure is added to the exercising device, then the device can provide restoring force to assist users to return to original posture, but the device cannot be disabled and usage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the restoring mechanism switchable between enabled and disabled states. The mounting assembly allows the belt to be selectively mounted or dismounted from the spool, transforming a static restoring mechanism into a dynamic one that can adapt its function based on user needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility (both restoring and non-restoring exercise modes) without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the exercising device to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The same restoring mechanism serves dual purposes: providing restoring force when the belt is mounted, and being easily dismounted when non-restoring exercise is desired. This eliminates the need for separate devices, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the restoring mechanism is always enabled, then users receive assistance to return to original posture, but users cannot perform exercises without restoring force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation flexibilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the belt connection into separate mountable components: the belt with link-up portion, the spool with engaging portion, and the mounting assembly. This modular segmentation allows the belt to be independently mounted or dismounted from the spool, providing operational flexibility to switch between restoring and non-restoring modes while keeping the mounting structure relatively simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a selective coupling mechanism is added to enable/disable the restoring mechanism, then usage versatility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmounting assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the mounting assembly as an intermediary component that facilitates selective coupling between the belt and spool. This intermediary includes the mounting portion with protruding teeth that engage with corresponding depressions on the spool, creating a simple yet effective coupling mechanism. The intermediary design achieves mode switching capability without requiring complex control systems, maintaining relative structural simplicity while improving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the exercising device to offer varied operation effects and expanded usage by allowing users to toggle the restoring force on and off, enhancing versatility without the need for multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

The restoring set can further include a spiral spring with the fixed portion, a spring sleeve and a belt with the link-up portion. The spiral spring is disposed at the first axle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the restoring set is allowed to accumulate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The mounting assembly further includes a revolvable member with the mounting portion and a limiting portion. The compression spring is positioned between the revolvable member and the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3613473B1Restoring mechanism and exercising device
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 CHUANG LUNG FEI
  • EP3613473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3613473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3613473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exercising device is provided. The exercising device includes a fixing structure, one or more wheels and one or more restoring mechanisms disposed at the fixing structure. The one or more restoring mechanisms each includes a restoring set, a driving set, and a connecting set. The restoring set includes a fixed portion and a link-up portion. The fixed portion is connected to the fixing structure. The driving set is connected to the link-up portion. The connecting set is selectively coupled to the driving set. When the connecting set is coupled to the driving set, rotation of the one or more wheels causes the driving set to drive the restoring set such that the restoring set is allowed to accumulate energy.