Vibrating Platform With Fulcrum and Isolators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whole-body vibration systems lack stability due to elevated center of gravity, inadequate vibration dampening, and insufficient durability, leading to instability and decreased user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A whole-body vibration apparatus featuring a support structure with a fulcrum and vibration isolators, a platform that oscillates about the fulcrum, and a base shell mounted exclusively via isolators, along with a power assembly that includes a motor and eccentric displacement member to control platform movement, enhancing stability and vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibrating platform is positioned relatively too far off the ground, then the user can have sufficient space for movement and comfort, but the center of gravity is raised making the system unstable and prone to tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism integrated into the support structure that offsets the elevated center of gravity caused by raising the platform. The counterweight system includes adjustable masses positioned to create balancing moments that prevent the platform from tipping, thereby maintaining system stability while allowing the platform to be positioned at an ergonomically comfortable height for users.
2Device complexity
If sufficient vibration dampers are not included, then the device complexity is reduced, but vibrations transfer to the ground and handholds decreasing stability and user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolators as intermediary elements positioned between the platform and the ground, and between the platform and handholds. These isolators act as mediators that selectively transmit necessary vibrations to the user while damping harmful vibrations that would otherwise transfer to the ground and compromise system stability. The isolators include elastomeric materials and spring-damper mechanisms that filter vibration frequencies.
3Strength
If the base shell is mounted with multiple connectors to the support structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the vibration transfer to the ground increases reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation in the mounting system by using vibration-isolating connectors at specific locations where vibration transmission should be minimized, while using rigid connectors in locations requiring structural strength. The base shell employs a hybrid mounting system where elastomeric isolators are positioned at vibration-prone interface points, and reinforced rigid connectors are used at load-bearing positions, optimizing both strength and vibration isolation locally.
4Productivity
If the platform oscillates with large amplitude, then the vibration effectiveness for health benefits is improved, but the stability of the system decreases making it more prone to rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic stabilization system that actively adjusts the support structure's rigidity and damping characteristics in response to platform oscillation amplitude. The system includes variable stiffness springs and active dampers that automatically increase their stabilizing force when large oscillation amplitudes are detected, and relax when smaller amplitudes occur, allowing effective vibration transmission while preventing excessive rocking and maintaining system stability across varying operating conditions.
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 apparatus improves stability and user comfort by reducing vibration transfer to the ground and handholds, while withstanding repeated oscillations, thus providing a more effective and durable whole-body vibration experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vibration isolators... reduce the transfer of vibrations from the support structure to the ground
Implementation Method 2
the vibration isolators have motion dampers
Implementation Method 3
The central portion of the platform is pivotally coupled to and operably oscillates about the fulcrum of the support structure so that oscillation about the fulcrum causes the lateral portions to alternately rise and fall
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for vibration of a person via a vibrating platform. The apparatus includes a support structure that has a fulcrum and a plurality of vibration isolators, a platform that has a central portion and lateral portions, a power assembly coupled to the platform to operably oscillate the platform about the fulcrum, and a base shell that extends around one or more sides of the platform. The central portion of the platform is pivotally coupled to and operably oscillates about the fulcrum of the support structure so that oscillation about the fulcrum causes the lateral portions to alternately rise and fall in a substantially vertical direction. Further, the base shell is mounted to the support structure free-from connectors other than the vibration isolators.