Unweighting System Cable Pulley Frame for Controlled Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unweighting systems for exercise are poorly controlled, lack repeatability, and are cumbersome to adjust, often causing discomfort and safety issues, and are not suitable for home or gym use without medical supervision.
Innovation Solution
An unweighting system comprising a frame with pulleys and cables that can be attached to exercise devices, allowing for adjustable and controlled unloading of user weight, with features like load cells and winches for precise force management and user attachment mechanisms for comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elastic cords are used to provide unweighting force, then the system is simple in structure, but the unweighting force is poorly controlled and varies over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical elastic cord system with a cable and pulley system that allows for precise mechanical control of unweighting force. The cables can be tensioned to specific levels and maintained consistently, eliminating the variability inherent in elastic cords while providing reliable, repeatable force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of cable tension parameters to achieve desired unweighting forces. By modifying the tension in the cables through the pulley system, the unweighting force can be precisely controlled and adjusted to match therapeutic requirements, providing consistent force delivery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inelastic cords or straps are used to suspend a person, then ground impact forces are reduced, but the system is uncomfortable and requires overhead suspension devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frame structure as an intermediary between the user and the ground impact forces. The frame with cables and pulleys provides a distributed support system that reduces ground impact forces while maintaining user comfort through proper force distribution, eliminating the need for overhead suspension devices.
3Ease of operation
If bungee or elastic tensioning cords are used in harness systems, then user comfort is improved, but adjustment is cumbersome and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex bungee and elastic tensioning cord systems with a simpler cable and pulley mechanism. The cables can be easily tensioned and adjusted using the pulley system, providing user comfort through controlled force application while eliminating the dangerous and cumbersome adjustment procedures associated with elastic systems.
4Force
If overhead cord systems are used for unweighting, then unweighting force is provided, but users cannot be constrained from side-to-side or fore-and-aft motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unweighting support into multiple cable segments that can independently control different aspects of user positioning. The segmented cable system provides both vertical unweighting force and lateral/longitudinal constraint, allowing precise control of user position while maintaining comfort and safety.
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 system provides a reliable, adjustable, and comfortable means of unweighting, allowing users to control the unloading force effectively, enhancing exercise experience and safety, and is suitable for both home and gym use without medical supervision.
Implementation Method 1
A first cable passes through a first of the pair of front pulleys and through a first of the pair of rear pulleys. A second cable passes through a second of the pair of front pulleys and through a second of the pair of rear pulleys.
Data Source
AI summary
An unweighting system includes a frame, a pair of front pulleys, a pair of rear pulleys, a first cable, and a second cable. The frame is configured to be attached to or placed at least partially around an exercise device and includes a front portion and a rear portion. The pair of front pulleys is coupled to the front portion. The pair of rear pulleys is coupled to the rear portion. A first cable passes through a first of the pair of front pulleys and through a first of the pair of rear pulleys. A second cable passes through a second of the pair of front pulleys and through a second of the pair of rear pulleys. The first and second cables are configured to couple with a user to unload a portion of the user's weight as the user exercises on the exercise device.