Multi-directional Workout Wheel Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitness wheels for home use are limited to linear movement, making them inadequate for training diverse muscles and are complicated and cost-inefficient due to additional brake mechanisms required for multi-directional movement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional workout wheel device with a base frame, top cover, and multi-directional rotating members that adjust friction levels through dome structures and rotating balls, allowing for easy start and halt functionality without additional braking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent brake mechanism is added to stop the fitness wheel, then the fitness wheel can be halted effectively, but the assembly becomes complicated and cost-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braking function with the existing dome structures and rotating members. The dome structures serve dual purposes: providing friction for forward movement and enabling halting when pressed against the rotating members. This eliminates the need for a separate brake mechanism, resolving the contradiction between halting capability and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating members and dome structures are designed to perform multiple functions: they enable multi-directional movement, provide friction control, and serve as the braking mechanism. By making these components universal, the patent avoids adding dedicated brake parts, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving effective halting
2Reliability
If an independent brake mechanism is added to stop the fitness wheel, then the fitness wheel can be halted effectively, but the cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is merged into the existing dome structures and rotating members, eliminating the need to manufacture separate brake components. This reduces material costs, assembly costs, and overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective halting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing structural components (dome structures and rotating members) serve the additional function of braking without requiring dedicated brake parts. The system uses what it already has to achieve the halting function, reducing manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fitness wheel uses balls rotatable in multiple directions for multi-directional movement, then diverse muscle training is enabled, but the user needs one hand free for operating the brake mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is merged with the existing dome structures that are already part of the multi-directional movement mechanism. Since the dome structures are always present and integrated into the movement system, no separate brake operation is needed, allowing users to maintain full hand control during exercise
Solution Approach 2:
The halting function is achieved through the user's natural interaction with the dome structures during exercise. By pressing on the dome structures, users automatically engage the braking function without needing to operate a separate mechanism, making the system self-regulating and easier to operate
4Device complexity
If a fitness wheel is designed for linear gliding only, then the structure remains simple, but it is disadvantageous for training diverse muscles and becomes boring for daily uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spherical rotating members (balls) that can rotate in multiple directions, enabling the fitness wheel to move not only linearly but also in circular and diagonal patterns. This curvature-based design maintains structural simplicity while dramatically increasing exercise versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating members are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing users to switch between linear gliding and multi-directional movement by applying different forces. This dynamic capability enables the simple structure to adapt to various exercise requirements, enhancing muscle training versatility
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 simple, cost-effective, and versatile multi-directional movement for effective muscle training without the need for additional braking, allowing users to engage various muscle groups with ease.
Implementation Method 1
the dome structures are in contact with the multi-directional rotating members so as to cause a specified level of friction therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A workout device includes a base frame, a top cover and a gliding mechanism. The base frame includes a chassis and through holes formed in the chassis. The top cover includes dome structures aligned with the through holes, respectively, when the top cover is assembled to the base frame. The gliding mechanism consists of multi-directional rotating members accommodated in the dome structures and partially protruding from the through holes, respectively, when the top cover is assembled to the base frame. In response to a pressing force exerted onto the cover body, the dome structures are in contact with the multi-directional rotating members so as to cause friction therebetween, and the friction changes with the force exerted onto the cover body.