Motorized Tether Exercise Machine with One-Way Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise equipment, such as treadmills and strap-type restraint devices, fail to allow users to maintain their natural running gait on real-world terrain, suffer from resistance issues during rapid starts and stops, and lack adjustability and safety features, leading to user discomfort and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tether exercise machine with a one-way clutch and recoil mechanism, adjustable supports, and safety features like force and distance sensors, allowing for natural gait movement, rapid starts and stops, and secure anchoring, while providing data measurement and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single motor with transmission is used for payout and retraction, then the device can provide ample resistance for long runs, but it suffers from delays during rapid starts and stops due to motor inertia, causing slack in the rope and a jerky feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resistance system into two separate components: a spring-based recoil mechanism for rapid response and a motor system for sustained resistance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without the compromises of a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a one-way clutch mechanism that dynamically switches between spring-based operation during rapid movements and motor-based operation during sustained exercise. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between rapid response and sustained resistance.
2Ease of operation
If a treadmill is used, then users can exercise indoors, but the moving floor unnerves people and leads to boredom, preventing natural running gait
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the user on a treadmill belt, the patent inverts the approach by anchoring the device and allowing the user to move forward naturally while the rope provides resistance. This inversion enables natural gait while eliminating the unnerving moving floor effect.
3Force
If strap-type restraint devices are used, then resistance can be provided, but the devices are difficult to adjust and fit, and lack safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal device that combines multiple functions: adjustable resistance via spring tension, safety mechanisms including overload release and distance limits, and versatile mounting options. This multi-functionality resolves the lack of adjustability and safety features in prior devices.
4Power
If motorized devices with transmission are used, then ample resistance can be supplied, but the inertia causes delays in change of direction resulting in slack in the rope and jerky feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based recoil mechanism acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs rapid changes in direction before the motor system responds. This beforehand cushioning prevents jerky operation and rope slack during rapid starts and stops.
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 users to exercise with their natural gait on varied terrain, reduces jerky resistance, and ensures safety through adjustable resistance and data feedback, enhancing user experience and preventing injury.
Implementation Method 1
The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction
Implementation Method 2
A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool for rotation of the spool in a backward direction
Implementation Method 3
a distance sensor provides feedback
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device consisting of a housing having a rope extending therethrough and wherein the rope is wound about a spool mounted on a driveshaft driven in a forward direction by a motor. The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction and freely rotating on the driveshaft in the reverse direction. A distance sensor provides feedback upon the rope spooling out a certain distance. A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the reverse direction and rewind the rope.