Variable Resistance Exercise Machine Actuation Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines and Pilates apparatuses lack the ability to quickly and precisely change resistance levels without interrupting the workout routine and do not allow for immediate reversal of resistance direction, leading to inefficiencies in circuit and interval training, increased risk of injury, and logistical challenges in gym operations.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a variable resistance system that includes a frame, a variable resistance system connected to the frame, and an exercise implement, allowing for manual or automatic selection of resistance levels via an actuation shaft, enabling fast and precise adjustment of resistance force and direction without dismounting, using a system of resistance assemblies and actuation assemblies to engage or disengage resistance pulleys based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resistance levels are changed using traditional exercise machines, then the resistance force is adjusted, but the workout routine must be interrupted and the exerciser must dismount to change settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the exerciser to select resistance levels independently through the actuation shaft mechanism without requiring instructor assistance or machine reconfiguration. The exerciser directly controls the resistance selection by rotating the actuation shaft to engage different resistance assemblies, enabling self-service adjustment during the workout.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance system transitions from static fixed resistance to dynamic adjustable resistance. The actuation shaft and resistance assemblies are designed to be dynamically engaged and disengaged during operation, allowing real-time resistance changes without stopping the workout. The system maintains operational continuity while adapting resistance levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional exercise machines use fixed resistance direction, then the machine structure is simple, but it does not allow immediate reversal of resistance direction
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is designed to provide multiple functions through a single unified mechanism. The same actuation shaft and resistance assemblies that adjust resistance magnitude also control resistance direction reversal. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle both resistance level selection and direction changes without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables immediate reversal of resistance direction by rotating the actuation shaft to engage resistance assemblies on opposite sides or in opposite orientations. The mechanism allows the exerciser to switch from pushing to pulling motions or reverse the direction of resistance application instantaneously through the rotational action of the actuation shaft.
3Productivity
If continuous workout sessions are maintained, then exercise efficiency is improved, but resistance adjustments become difficult without interrupting the routine
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance adjustment mechanism is integrated into the continuous workout flow. The actuation shaft can be operated while the exerciser remains in position, and the resistance changes are effected without breaking the exercise rhythm. The system maintains continuous useful action by allowing seamless transitions between different resistance levels during the workout.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation shaft serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the exerciser's control input and the resistance assembly engagement. This intermediary allows resistance adjustments to be made through a simple rotational motion that can be performed without dismounting or interrupting the exercise routine, bridging the gap between continuous workout and adjustable resistance.
4Measurement precision
If multiple resistance assemblies are provided for different resistance levels, then resistance selection precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into multiple discrete resistance assemblies, each providing a specific resistance level. The actuation shaft is correspondingly segmented with multiple engagement positions or indices that align with specific resistance assemblies. This segmentation allows precise selection of resistance levels while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance assemblies are pre-configured and pre-positioned on the machine frame, with each assembly corresponding to a specific resistance level. The actuation shaft is designed with pre-determined engagement positions that automatically align with the appropriate resistance assembly when rotated to the correct index. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments, simplifying the selection process.
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 continuous and efficient workout sessions with immediate resistance adjustments and direction changes, reducing injury risk and improving operational efficiency in gym settings by allowing exercisers to select specific resistance levels and directions without interrupting their routine.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of bias members or weights that counteract the exercise force
Implementation Method 2
Another method of creating a horizontal workload is to redirect a vertical workload along a horizontal vector using a pulley or mechanical linkage
Data Source
AI summary
The exercise machine with a variable resistance system includes a frame, an exercise implement movably connected to the frame, a main shaft rotatably connected to the frame, a main connector attached between the main shaft and the exercise implement, a plurality of resistance assemblies and a plurality of actuation assemblies adapted for selectively engaging or disengaging at least one of the plurality of resistance assemblies with respect to the main shaft. The plurality of resistance assemblies apply a total level of rotational resistance against the main shaft based on which of the plurality of resistance assemblies are engaged with the main shaft by the plurality of actuation assemblies.