Tilting Smith Machine Structure for Multi-Plane Exercise Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Smith machines are limited to vertical plane motion, restricting the variety of exercises that can be performed, and lack versatility in accommodating multiple user engageable devices for diverse workouts.
Innovation Solution
A tilting Smith exercise machine with movable structures that allow movement along multiple planes, featuring adjustable user engageable devices and hinges for side-to-side and front-to-back pivoting, enabling a wide range of exercises targeting both upper and lower body muscle groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Smith machine is designed for vertical plane motion only, then the structure is simple and stable, but the variety of exercises that can be performed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side-to-side and front-to-back pivoting capabilities to the traditional vertical Smith machine, transforming it from single-plane (vertical) motion to multi-plane motion. The movable structure includes hinges that enable rotation about vertical axes (side-to-side) and horizontal axes (front-to-back), adding two new dimensions of movement to the original vertical up-down motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable structures with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the exercise device to dynamically change its orientation and configuration. The movable structure can be positioned at different angles and locked into place, providing dynamic adaptability for various exercise routines while maintaining structural stability during each exercise position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user engageable devices are added to accommodate diverse workouts, then exercise diversity increases, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal movable structure that can accommodate multiple types of user engageable devices through a standardized interface. The movable structure with its multi-axis pivoting capability serves as a universal platform that can support various exercise attachments, eliminating the need for separate specialized machines for different exercise types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the Smith machine into fixed support structures and movable functional components. The movable structure can be independently positioned and configured, allowing different user engageable devices to be attached and removed as needed. This segmentation enables flexibility in device configuration without requiring complete redesign of the entire machine.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinges and actuators are added to enable multi-plane pivoting, then movement along multiple planes is achieved, but the mechanical complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates positioning mechanisms and locking systems that stabilize the movable structure at desired positions. These mechanisms prevent uncontrolled movement and reduce stress on the hinge joints, thereby mitigating potential reliability issues before they occur. The actuators are designed with controlled motion profiles that avoid sudden impacts on the mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting smith exercise machine includes a support frame with an upper horizontal rail and a lower horizontal rail; and a movable structure extending from a top end to a bottom end, the movable structure having a vertical support; a top trolley positioned at the top end and coupled to the upper horizontal rail, the top trolley having a side angled track and a rear angled track; a bottom trolley positioned at the bottom end and having actuators extending from the bottom trolley to the vertical support, a first hinge to allow the vertical support to pivot from side to side, and a second hinge allowing the vertical support to pivot from front to back; and a user engageable system supported by the vertical support, the user engageable system is to be operated by a user as the user performs an exercise.