Tilting Pad Pivot Assembly for Tool-Free Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack the ability for users to easily adjust the position of exercise pads between lowered and raised positions without the need for tools or complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tilting pad assembly with a pivot assembly that includes a pair of lift bases with contoured indentations and a lift support, allowing the pad to be pivoted between a lowered and raised position using guide pegs that engage with these indentations, enabling stable support in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed, level pad is used in exercise machines, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot easily adjust the pad position between lowered and raised positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is transformed from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, adjustable one through the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly enables the pad to rotate between a lowered position (parallel to ground) and a raised position (perpendicular to ground), allowing users to easily change pad orientation during exercise routines without requiring complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a pivot post vertically disposed on the pad support, a pad arm horizontally disposed on the pad support, and a link mechanism connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism is added to enable pad tilting, then the pad position can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly utilizes asymmetric geometry in its link mechanism, where the link has specific lengths and angles designed to provide mechanical advantage. The link connects the pad arm and pad at asymmetric points, creating a four-bar linkage that naturally guides the pad through its arc of motion from lowered to raised position, reducing the need for additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-supporting. The pad support structure provides vertical support through the pivot post, while the link mechanism automatically maintains proper geometry during pad movement. The assembly requires no external actuators, motors, or control systems, and can be easily installed and maintained by users themselves
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting pad assembly for exercise machines and the like. A tilting pad assembly may include a pad and a pivot assembly coupled to the pad. The pivot assembly may include a pair of lift bases having contoured indentations disposed therein, the contoured indentations being opposingly facing and spaced apart. A lift support has a first end pivotably coupled to the pad and a second end having a pair of guide pegs extending outwardly into engagement with the contoured indentations such that the second end of the lift support is moveably captured between the pair of lift bases. The contoured indentations provide a first position for the guide pegs wherein the pad is stably supported by the lift support in a lowered position, and provide a second position for the guide pegs wherein the pad is stably supported by the lift support in a raised position.