Variable Resistance Beam for Dynamic Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sporting and fitness equipment lacks adjustability in stiffness and flexibility, limiting user performance as they cannot dynamically change these characteristics during use to adapt to changing conditions or personal needs, leading to suboptimal performance and increased reliance on multiple equipment pieces.
Innovation Solution
The development of a variable resistance beam (VRB) technology that allows for real-time control of stiffness and flexibility through mechanical methods or hand placement, enabling equipment to adjust resistance in multiple planes and directions, integrated into various devices such as knee braces, sports gear, and fitness equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stiffness equipment is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a variable resistance beam that can dynamically adjust its stiffness characteristics. The beam transitions from a fixed-stiffness structure to a dynamic system where the resistance properties can be changed in real-time based on user needs and playing conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the Parameter changes principle by enabling modification of the resistance beam's physical parameters (stiffness, flexibility) through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. Users can alter the beam's resistance characteristics by adjusting its configuration, allowing the same equipment to serve multiple purposes and adapt to different skill levels and conditions without requiring multiple separate pieces of equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of equipment with different stiffness characteristics are provided, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a single resistance beam that can perform multiple functions across different resistance levels. The beam is engineered to provide a range of stiffness characteristics through mechanical adjustment, making one piece of equipment replace multiple specialized pieces, thereby reducing the quantity of equipment needed while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the resistance beam dynamically adjustable, the patent enables one piece of equipment to assume the roles of multiple static equipment pieces with different fixed characteristics. The dynamic adjustment capability allows users to transform a single beam into various resistance profiles, eliminating the need to maintain multiple separate equipment pieces.
3Ease of operation
If stiffness characteristics are set by manufacturer, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation and customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Preliminary action principle by pre-configuring the resistance beam with marked positions or indicators that guide users to specific adjustment settings. The manufacturing process incorporates these reference markers and pre-set configurations, allowing users to easily achieve precise stiffness characteristics without requiring complex measurement or calculation, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation.
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 users to dynamically adjust resistance to suit changing conditions and personal needs, enhancing performance, comfort, and rehabilitation by providing customizable support and load distribution, reducing the need for multiple equipment pieces and improving overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient rod, beam or shaft that produces resistance when bent or rotated a selectable amount
Data Source
AI summary
An Unloader assembly to control load distribution about a joint is disclosed. The assembly including an upper collar attachable above the joint and a lower collar attached below the joint, and a hinge positioned between the upper attachment and the lower attachment. The Unloader further includes a compression assembly includes an arm attached at one end to the hinge and a housing into which the arm is slidable. The housing further includes a bushing and a variable resistance beam positioned between the arm and the bushing. The variable resistance beam provides a variable degree of rigidity to provide different levels of resistance to compression.