Common training workstation and related method of use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing common training workstations lack the ability to perform a full range of exercises due to the exclusion of removable sports equipment such as weights, dumbbells, and other fitness tools, and do not allow for safe and automated management of equipment usage.

Innovation Solution

A training workstation with removable sports equipment housed in a cabinet equipped with an electronic lock, sensors, and a control unit that ensures safe access and automated management, including a sanitizing system and network connectivity for user authentication and session tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If removable sports equipment is added to expand exercise range, then exercise versatility is improved, but equipment safety and tamper-proof capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise rangeVSAvoidequipment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the training workstation into fixed structural components and removable sports equipment. The removable equipment is stored in a locked cabinet that is separate from the main exercise structure, allowing the equipment to be secured when not in use while maintaining access during exercise sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An electronic control system acts as an intermediary between users and the removable equipment. The system uses sensors to detect equipment presence, electronic locks to control cabinet access, and a control unit to manage equipment availability, thereby ensuring safety while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual reset intervention is required after each use, then equipment security is improved, but user access efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment securityVSAvoiduser access efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The training workstation is equipped with automated systems that perform security checks and equipment verification without requiring operator intervention. The electronic lock system automatically secures the cabinet, and sensors automatically detect whether equipment is present or missing, enabling continuous operation without manual reset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on equipment presence to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically determine whether the cabinet should be locked or unlocked, eliminating the need for manual security checks and improving access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If sensors and electronic control systems are added for automated management, then session management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the electronic lock, receives sensor inputs about equipment presence, manages user sessions, and communicates with the server. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4281194B1Common training workstation and related method of use
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 GREENFIT BRO SRL
  • EP4281194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4281194B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4281194B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a common training workstation 20 comprising: one or more removable sport equipment 22, a cabinet 24 provided with a door 26 and with housings 28 for the removable sport equipment, an electronic lock 30 capable of opening/ closing the door in response to an opening/ closing command, a control unit 32 operatively connected to the electronic lock to send the opening command in response to a request for access by a user, and a plurality of sensors 34 adapted to detect the presence of removable sports equipment within the respective housings. The control unit is configured to send the closing command to the electronic lock only in case the control unit has received an exit request from the user and each of the sensors detects the presence of the respective removable sport equipment within the respective housing. The invention also relates to a method for using the training workstation.