Silver Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design · 2024
IBL-FT900H Ultra Smith Machine
by Jichun Du
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Imbell
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 190,449
- Verification code 9EBAD6211A · Verify this award
About IBL-FT900H Ultra Smith Machine
IBL-FT900H Ultra is a home fitness training machine that combines a Smith weightlifting station with a flywheel resistance trainer. Switching between the two training modes is seamless. The semi-automatic Smith function works without loose barbell plates and allows weight changes in precise increments of 2.5 kilograms. The Smith bar releases tension instantly for added safety. The starting position can be adjusted at zero weight for accurate positioning. Forty basic training movements are supported. A mirror door lets the user observe each movement.
The IBL-FT900H Ultra Smith Machine by Jichun Du exemplifies the contemporary evolution of strength training apparatus toward comprehensive multi-station functionality consolidated within a singular architectural footprint. This design emerges from the tradition of progressive resistance equipment that traces its lineage through the twentieth century's systematic approach to physical culture, yet it transcends mere functional utility through considered aesthetic refinement that acknowledges the equipment's presence within contemporary domestic and commercial environments. The formal achievement lies in the successful integration of numerous discrete training modalities—guided barbell movement, cable-based resistance from multiple angles, and attachment versatility—within a visually coherent structural envelope that reads as unified rather than accumulated. The chromatic strategy of pairing warm-toned matte black framework with cool-toned polished metallic components creates visual hierarchy that guides the eye while maintaining overall tonal harmony. Technical sophistication manifests in the precision engineering evident throughout: the linear bearing systems that ensure smooth guided movement, the pulley arrangements that optimize mechanical advantage, and the modular attachment points that expand functional possibility. The centered digital display suggests integration with contemporary training methodologies and data-driven fitness approaches, positioning the apparatus within current technological conversations while maintaining the fundamental mechanical integrity that defines serious resistance equipment. The perforated mesh panels protecting the weight stacks demonstrate thoughtful attention to safety without sacrificing visual access to the mechanical operations within. One might observe how the design balances the competing demands of comprehensive functionality, spatial efficiency, visual sophistication, and operational clarity, achieving synthesis that serves both athletic purpose and environmental integration. Viewers are invited to consider how such equipment design reflects evolving relationships between human physicality, technological mediation, and the spaces we create for bodily cultivation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Semi-automatic barbell-free smith weightlifting function, with seamless switching between flywheel and smith weightlifting functions
Smith weightlifting allows precise increments of 2.5kg, revolutionizing the manual weight plate addition method
Instant tension release in the smith bar for enhanced safety.Adjustable training starting position at 0 weight for more accurate positioning
40 fundamental training movements.
Mirror door design for convenient user observation of movements
paid rack - Dimensions & Packaging
- assembly size：1320mm×1560mm×2180mm
Product weight：410.4kg
Plywood box size：
box1of2 : 2240mm×760mm×430mm （N.W.:240.4KGS G.W.:275KGS） box2of2 : 690mm×510mm×210mm（N.W.:170KGS G.W.:182KGS） - Tags
- IMBELL；ALL-IN-ONE;IBL-FT900H-ULTRA;power rack and functional trainer；home fitness；Ergonomic design；Multifunction；made in China；high sales volume；smith machine
- Production Technology
- Production process: pipe cutting, pipe bending, stamping, welding, spraying, pre-assembly, packing
Production equipment: flat laser cutting, CNC laser pipe cutting machine, welding robot, CNC pipe bending machine, punch, intelligent spraying equipment and production line, assembly production line, packing production line.
Product materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nylon, rubber, PE plastic, foam, PU leather
The product has been mass-produced: 1000 units/year - Design Challenge
- The most challenging part is to implement the semi-automatic Smith weightlifting function while ensuring that it does not interfere with the flywheel function. The problems to be addressed include the free vertical sliding of the Smith bar relative to the flywheel position, cable redirection issue, angle and dimensions for the semi-automatic disengagement and re-engagement of the Smith hooks, tolerances of the detailed structure, and the convenience of customer installation for this structure.
- Project Duration
- The project started in Qingdao, China in March 2022 and was finally designed by January 2023.
- Operation Flow
- During the project initiation phase, market research and analysis of product trends were conducted to plan the product positioning. In the design phase, industrial designers worked on the appearance, performance, and materials of the fitness equipment. Engineers then translated the external design into the product's structure, considering principles of ergonomics and kinematics to ensure a comfortable exercise experience for users of all types. In the testing phase, engineers rigorously tested the equipment's performance, inviting professionals to provide feedback for further improvement. Finally, the equipment underwent EN957 testing conducted by an internationally recognized authority. In the manufacturing phase, process designers created tooling fixtures, and skilled workers utilized advanced techniques to transform the design blueprints into tangible products, maintaining strict quality control at every step. Through this meticulous production process, the fitness equipment was born, destined to accompany consumers worldwide during their intense workout sessions, aiding them in achieving their desired physique and becoming a better version of themselves.
- Research
- Research Objective: To integrate strength training functionalities and optimize product usability.
Research Method: Competitive analysis.
Data Collection: Books, customers, online sources.
Research Tools: Fitness coach evaluations, online resources, human-machine testing instruments.
Participants: Fitness professionals, university teachers and students, internal personnel from the company, personnel from third-party testing organizations.
Experimental Results: ISO-EN20957 testing report.
Research Outcome: The product has gained significant attention in the market and achieved excellent sales performance. - Inspiration
- In 2022, the world will enter the post-epidemic era, and people will experience irrational fitness consumption. People are more eager for safer, professional, delicate and considerate home fitness comprehensive training equipment. In order to solve the problem of home fitness, we have developed a safety device that integrates beauty and safety. It can release force instantly and provide personal trainer-level training guarantee.
- Image Credits
- Image# 1: Industrial Designer, Xueyuan Wang,IBL-FT900H ULTRA,Qingdao Imbell Sporting goods Co., Ltd., 2023.
Image# 2: Industrial Designer, Xueyuan Wang,IBL-FT900H ULTRA,Qingdao Imbell Sporting goods Co., Ltd., 2023.
Image# 3: Industrial Designer, Xueyuan Wang,IBL-FT900H ULTRA,Qingdao Imbell Sporting goods Co., Ltd., 2023.
Image# 4: Industrial Designer, Xueyuan Wang,IBL-FT900H ULTRA,Qingdao Imbell Sporting goods Co., Ltd., 2023.
Image# 5: Industrial Designer, Xueyuan Wang,IBL-FT900H ULTRA,Qingdao Imbell Sporting goods Co., Ltd., 2023. - Patents
- 1. Invention patent: Comprehensive fitness training equipment that can be used in many ways, patent number ZL202220945209.x (authorized)
2. PCT International Invention: PCT/CN2023/089486, US invention: Application number 18286789 (acceptable)
3. Practical new type: Grab a stable multi -functional comprehensive training equipment, patent number ZL 202222078405.x (authorized)
4. Practical new type: Multi -functional comprehensive training device Gao La Annex, patent number ZL202320584410.x (authorized)
5. Practical new type: fast molding cover, patent number ZL202321028772.7 (authorized)
6. Practical new type: three -dimensional change towards circulating steel cable mechanism and a dragon gate framework with three -dimensional transformation to circulating steel cable mechanism,
ZL202020514942.2 (authorized)
7. Practical new type: fine -tuning device with pulley steel cables for fitness equipment, patent number ZL202320517318.1 (authorized)
8. Appearance patent: Multi -functional comprehensive trainer (Smith), patent number ZL202030059543.7 (authorized)
Colors of IBL-FT900H Ultra Smith Machine
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We manufacture award-winning strength training equipment including smith machines, power racks, and functional trainers. With 28 years of expertise, our IMBELL products combine innovative safety features with professional-grade performance for home gyms and commercial facilities worldwide.
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