Abdominal Exercise Device With Sliding Foot Anchor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Most people require assistance to perform proper sit-ups due to instability during the exercise, which existing apparatuses fail to address effectively, leading to improper form and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two rigid elements and a soft material, configured to be positioned under a fixed object, providing support for the exerciser's feet and preventing improper form by sliding back if the user's form becomes sloppy, thus ensuring safety and comfort without external attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing apparatuses are used to secure feet during exercise, then foot stability is improved, but device complexity and lack of safety mechanisms worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three main segments: two rigid elements with bent portions that engage with the fixed object, and a cross member with soft material that contacts the feet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically provides safety feedback through its sliding mechanism. When the user's form becomes sloppy and feet lift off the ground, the device slides back along the fixed object, providing immediate physical feedback that corrects the form without requiring external monitoring or complex sensors.
2Strength
If a rigid structure is used to hold feet down, then foot support is improved, but comfort and safety worsen due to lack of cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines rigid materials (for the rigid elements and cross member) with soft materials (for the cushioning layer). This composite construction allows the structure to maintain sufficient rigidity for support while the soft material layer provides comfort and reduces the risk of injury from direct contact with hard surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft material is attached to the cross member before use, providing preemptive cushioning between the rigid structure and the user's feet. This prevents discomfort and potential injury before they can occur, rather than addressing them after the fact.
3Ease of operation
If manual assistance is provided to perform sit-ups, then proper form is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring an assistant
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to perform sit-ups independently without requiring an assistant. The rigid elements engage with a fixed object to anchor the device, the cross member with soft material supports the feet, and the sliding mechanism provides automatic form feedback, allowing the user to self-correct and complete the exercise alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism through its sliding capability. When the user's form deteriorates and feet lift off the ground, the device slides back along the fixed object, providing immediate tactile feedback that prompts the user to correct their form. This automatic feedback loop replaces the need for manual assistance while maintaining proper exercise technique.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to assist an exerciser in performing an abdominal exercise includes two rigid elements, a rigid cross member with a first end that is coupled to a first of the two rigid elements and a second end that is coupled to a second of the two rigid elements, and a soft material that defines a first surface coupled to a lower surface of the rigid cross member. Each rigid element is configured to define: a first portion that extends from a first end of the rigid element to a first bend, a second portion that extends from the first bend to a second bend that bends in a direction that is opposite the first bend, and a third portion that extends from the second bend to a second end of the rigid element. The first, second and third portions of the rigid element are substantially flat.