Variable Lift Assistance Exercise Device Using Elastic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise devices providing assistance for pull-ups and push-ups are often expensive, non-portable, and fail to offer a variable level of lift assistance suitable for fitness novices and students with different needs.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise device utilizing a variable number of stretchable elastic resistance members suspended from an elevated support, allowing users to adjust the resistance level by adding or removing elastic members, providing customizable lift assistance for pull-ups and push-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current exercise devices are used to provide lift assistance, then assistance is provided, but the devices are expensive and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into separate components: multiple elastic resistance members that can be individually added or removed, a support structure, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the device to be portable while maintaining reliable lift assistance through the modular arrangement of elastic members.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable resistance mechanisms where the number and configuration of elastic resistance members can be dynamically changed based on user needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device to provide appropriate assistance levels for different users and exercise stages, maintaining reliability while enhancing portability through flexibility.
2Reliability
If current exercise devices are used to provide lift assistance, then assistance is provided, but the devices are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple simple elastic resistance members that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Rather than requiring a single complex expensive mechanism, the system uses multiple simple elastic components that can be individually replaced if needed, significantly reducing the overall cost while maintaining reliable lift assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves variable lift assistance by changing the number and configuration of elastic resistance members rather than requiring complex mechanical systems. This parameter-based adjustment (number of elastic members) provides a cost-effective solution that maintains reliability through simple, manufacturable components.
3Device complexity
If fixed resistance devices are used, then simple structure is maintained, but variable lift assistance cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into multiple independent elastic members that can be individually configured. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a simple overall structure while providing variable lift assistance through the selective addition or removal of individual elastic members, each of which is structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic resistance members serve multiple functions: they provide the primary resistance force, allow for variable assistance levels when configured in different numbers, and can be independently replaced or adjusted. This multi-functionality enables variable lift assistance without increasing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elastic members are used to provide variable resistance, then lift assistance is adjustable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves variable resistance by changing the number of elastic members in use rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This parameter-based approach (varying the count of simple elastic components) provides adjustable lift assistance while keeping each individual component structurally simple, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables cost-effective, versatile, and adjustable lift assistance, making it easier for beginners to perform exercises by counterbalancing user weight, thus facilitating progressive training without the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
elastic resistance members 400 to help reduce the effective weight that the user 20 has to pull up/push up while exercising
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary exercise device descending from an elevated support (e.g., a bar or door frame) allows a user to insert a body part in a loop (e.g., a foot for pull-ups or a waist for push-ups) descending from an elastic resistance unit, which uses a variable number of stretchable elastic members between top and bottom connectors to reduce the effective weight the user has to pull/push up. Each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors has several elastic member sockets, each socket having a socket passage extending through the connector. Each elastic member has an elongated portion between two member plugs sized to resist passing through the elastic member socket passages. Elastic members can be removably and replaceably installed by inserting a portion of each member plug within an elastic member socket, one member plug in each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors.