Ab Exercise Device With Elastic Resistance And Rotatable Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ab exercise devices often require uncomfortable positions, lack adequate range of motion, and shift focus from abs to arm strength, potentially leading to lower back issues when performed incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
An ab exercise device featuring a first and second tube member with elastic resistance, rotatable side parts, and adjustable resistance levels, designed to focus on abs by discouraging arm use and allowing for twisted crunches, with a rotatable top part and side pads for comfortable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user firmly grips the device with their hands to carry out the movement, then the device is easier to control, but the focus shifts from ab to arm strength, reducing muscle activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hand grips from the device structure, extracting the function of hand support entirely. The device is designed to be used without hand gripping, forcing users to rely on abdominal strength rather than arm strength to control the movement, thus maintaining focus on ab muscle activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rope or strap as an intermediary between the user's body and the device. This intermediary allows the user to hold onto the device indirectly through the rope/strap rather than gripping the device directly, providing control while maintaining proper form and focusing on abdominal engagement.
2Device complexity
If ab exercise devices require the user to be in an uncomfortable position (e.g., on the floor on their back), then the device structure is simpler, but the user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable top part that can be adjusted to different positions and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to various user preferences and exercise requirements, providing comfort without requiring complex fixed structures for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functional capabilities through its rotatable components and adjustable resistance levels, allowing it to perform multiple exercise variations (crunches, twisted crunches, leg raises) in a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining comfort.
3Device complexity
If ab exercise devices provide fixed resistance, then the device structure is simpler, but the user cannot adjust to different fitness levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable resistance mechanisms that allow users to modify the resistance levels according to their fitness level. The resistance can be adjusted dynamically during different exercise phases or between sets, providing adaptability without requiring completely different devices for different strength levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in resistance parameters through adjustable components such as variable resistance bands, adjustable weights, or modifiable spring tension. These parameter changes enable the same device structure to serve users at different fitness levels by simply adjusting the resistance settings.
4Reliability
If the device provides greater range of motion, then the exercise effectiveness is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes rotatable components that enable a wide range of motion through rotational movement. The rotatable top part can rotate to accommodate different exercise movements (crunches, twisted crunches, leg raises), providing greater range of motion without requiring complex linear adjustment mechanisms for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates rotational movement as an additional dimension of motion beyond simple linear movement. This rotational capability allows users to perform exercises in multiple planes of motion (sagittal, frontal, transverse planes), significantly increasing exercise effectiveness while using a relatively simple rotational joint mechanism.
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 device provides a comfortable and effective workout by focusing on abs, offering adjustable resistance and greater range of motion, reducing the risk of lower back issues through progressive resistance and adjustable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member resisting a downward movement of the second tube member and moving upward the second tube member upward with respect to the first tube member
Implementation Method 2
utilize elastic members, such as resistance bands, that may provide progressive resistance so that the elongation of the bands increases the resistance gradually
Data Source
AI summary
An ab exercise device including a first tube member, a second tube member movable with respect to the first tube member, an elastic member resisting a downward movement of the second tube member and moving the second tube member upward with respect to the first tube member, a first and a second side part for supporting the ab exercise device respectively against a first and a second surface, the first and the second side part being arranged respectively to a first and a second side of the first tube member in an upper end of the first tube member, and a top part for pressing down the second tube member, the top part being attached to the second tube member.