What was created?
A concept exerciser (aka: homemade workout machine) made mostly out of wood components, that was a contraption full of hinges, pulleys, weights, and grips (see pin 1). With my system, a person could perform both the butterfly and lat pull down exercises and transition between them with minimal effort.
The unit stood about 8 feet tall and was about 6 ft wide when the butterfly arms were connected to it.
Why was it created?
I have always been fascinated with weight training machine design. I had a bench press weight set at home that did not come with a butterfly attachment, so I decided to make one of my own. I was able to get a steady supply of material (scrap wood) from a local source and constructed a workout routine by stacking columns of weight (instead of accumulating weight plates) in a moving grid generating even or uneven resistance (see pin 3).
I also consider what I made could be a benefit to others since it does: (1) represent an extension of DIY culture (i.e. advancing individual knowledge, learning new skills, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from building from your own ideas), (2) how to apply simple machine principles (i.e. pulleys, leverage, changing the direction or amount of force, etc.) in making a project and, (3) promote woodworking (which allows a person to be creative and is a wonderful medium for artistic expression).
What makes it special?
What makes my work distinctive concerns the butterfly arms and the weight container.
Butterfly Attachment
The butterfly attachment arms can be quick disconnected and re-mounted easily. The jackknife motion that the butterfly arms travel in as they flex forward and return to their starting position is an original conception.
Weight Grid (see pin 3)
Unlike traditional stacked weight plate machines, a person is allowed to make a variety of pattern configurations on the grid (X,□, /,\, —, etc.) by using cup shaped ballast inserts (up to 24) that changes the amount of force a user exerts for each repetition (see figure 2). An individual can position the weights in organized horizontal/vertical patterns or treat them more as random objects in the load basket.
In their current form my system’s weight supplements are ½ pound each (about 2 ¾ inches long and 1 14/16 inches in diameter): making them easy to manage. If solid roll stock were used in their construction, they would be estimated to weigh 2 ½ to 2 ¾ pounds (see pin 2).
When not in use, weights can be placed in the grid case for compact storage.
As a point of fact, the sight holes cut into the drop tubes were drilled by hand with a fixture and not with the use of a drill press.
At one point, I contemplated that one could focus on certain muscle groups in the upper body by placing inserts on the weight grid in particular patterns (X,□, /,\, —, etc.). This may have been beneficial for those in need of rehabilitation (through segregation of muscle areas that needed treatment) in such disciplines as Kinesiology or Physical Therapy.
What was learned creating it?
I learned how much ideas on paper can change drastically when fabricated physically.
I learned how challenging it was to develop removable butterfly arms that hang and pivot in mid air.
The exerciser’s weight box glides up and down on a vertical guide. I researched various ways of how to make that move while keeping the friction between the connectors on the weight box and the track surface it to a minimum. This was in order to make the climb and drop motion as fluid and controlled as possible.
I considered using various sprays, waxes, greases, lacquers, covers, wheels, and even ball bearings to accomplish that. I ended up sanding the inside of the track extensively and then mounted small furniture mover inserts to the weight box on its four corners for a successful connection. Therefore, I learned here how important considering a variety of ideas provides solution to a problem.
If I were to start over and do things again?
I probably would have done some more background research in the areas of Fluid Dynamics or Biomechanics. I figure, if I had consulted with people in those areas, the time it took to design and redesign the overall unit as well as the weight box might not have taken about 3 years to fully complete.
Miscellaneous
In the back the machine was a counterweight of tube sand (60 lbs.). Without that, the whole thing would have toppled forward when trying to use it.
Thank you for your time.
Best Regards.
Matthew
Link:
https://www.pinterest.com/meb206/industrial-art-project/
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