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Virginia Tech

Design of User-Weight-based Exercise Machines

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This thesis describes the process of designing exercise machines that raise the weight of the user as the primary source of resistance. Most strength training machines use weight stacks or springs as the source of resistance. While such machines are highly evolved and provide an excellent workout, they typically have a number of disadvantages including high cost, and large size and weight. A user weight-based exercise design will reduce the cost, size, and weight of the machine. The design process considers some important issues. Parallelogram linkages are implemented to provide non-rotary motion without the disadvantage of linear bearings. The user input is located with respect to the user providing correct relative motion for the exercise. The design also considers proper resistance curves during the design process. Specific examples are given for each step of the design process. These examples include the evolution of ideas and the creation and use of kinematic and automatic tools.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Mechanical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1997

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Coombs, Dana Joseph
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Reinholtz, Charles F.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Mitchell, Larry D.
  • Tidwell, Paul H.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-5115131974430
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/36761

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Coombs, Dana Joseph. Design of User-Weight-based Exercise Machines. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36761