Tilting Exercise Machine with Pivotable Boom Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Pilates exercise machines have a fixed horizontal exercise plane, which limits the intensity and muscle engagement during workouts, as the angle of the exercise machine remains unchanged, failing to adapt to varying user needs and exercise requirements.
Innovation Solution
A tilting exercise machine with a support structure comprising pivotable booms and actuators that allow for the inclination or declination of the exercise plane relative to the horizontal plane, enabling adjustable angles through rotational movement of the booms, thereby increasing or decreasing the intensity of the workout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise machine uses a fixed horizontal exercise plane, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the exercise intensity and muscle engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise machine incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows the exercise plane to be dynamically adjusted between horizontal and inclined positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the machine to adapt to different exercise requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through a well-designed mechanical linkage system
Solution Approach 2:
The machine changes the inclination angle parameter of the exercise plane to vary exercise intensity. By adjusting the angle between the exercise platform and the support structure, the system provides different resistance levels and muscle engagement without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple separate machines
2Power
If the exercise plane angle is increased, then the exercise intensity increases, but the machine becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism incorporates spring elements that act as counterweights to balance the machine structure during inclination adjustments. These springs provide the necessary force to move and hold the exercise plane at different angles, reducing the complexity of requiring active motors or hydraulic systems for each adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring biasing mechanisms are used for resistance, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resistance by changing the inclination angle rather than relying solely on fixed spring biasing. The gravitational component acting on the user's body weight provides variable resistance based on the angle, eliminating the need for multiple spring mechanisms with different stiffness values
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
The tilting mechanism allows for increased muscle engagement and adjustable resistance levels, enhancing the effectiveness of exercises by varying the angle of the exercise plane, catering to diverse user needs and preferences without relying on spring biasing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
one or more actuators operable to cause the boom or stanchion structure to rotate about the pivotable mount and impart vertical movement to the first and second ends of the exercise machine
Implementation Method 2
a boom or stanchion structure pivotably mounted to the base frame and providing support for the exercise machine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, a substantially horizontal exercise machine comprising an exercise platform slidable along one or more rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the machine structure, the slidable platform spring-biased towards one end of the machine, is tiltable to allow for one end of the machine to be raised or lowered relative to the opposed end of the machine.