Alternating Vibration Gymnastic Equipment for Spinal Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating gymnastic equipment transmits vibrations simultaneously to both limbs, causing discomfort and potential harm to the spinal column, head, and other sensitive areas due to continuous and bilateral vibration, which limits exercise duration and is not recommended for certain populations.
Innovation Solution
Designing a gymnastic equipment that generates vibrations alternately on one hemisoma at a time, with a control unit managing independent vibration actuation for each side to prevent overlap, allowing for short duration vibrations to disperse before affecting the opposite side, mimicking natural movements like walking or running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vibrations are transmitted simultaneously to both limbs, then the exercise effectiveness is improved, but discomfort and potential harm to the spinal column and head increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating vibration transmission between left and right limbs in separate time intervals. The control unit activates the first vibration generating means during a first time interval, then activates the second vibration generating means during a second time interval, creating a periodic pattern that prevents simultaneous bilateral vibration and its associated harmful effects while maintaining exercise effectiveness through continued alternating stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vibration transmission function by dividing it into two independent vibration generating means (first and second), each associated with a different limb. This segmentation allows independent control of each side, enabling the system to transmit vibrations to one limb at a time rather than simultaneously to both, thereby resolving the contradiction between exercise effectiveness and harmful effects.
2Duration of action of moving object
If continuous vibration is applied to both limbs, then muscle-skeletal structures are effectively targeted, but transmission of vibrations to sensitive areas like the head and spine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic action by alternating between first and second time intervals, during which the first and second vibration generating means are activated respectively. This periodic alternation allows exercise to continue for extended durations while preventing continuous bilateral vibration that would transmit harmful vibrations to the head and spine, thus resolving the contradiction between exercise duration and harmful effects.
3Ease of operation
If bilateral vibration is used, then comprehensive muscle engagement is achieved, but discomfort increases and exercise duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternate vibration application between left and right limbs, achieving comprehensive muscle engagement over time while avoiding the discomfort caused by simultaneous bilateral vibration. The alternating pattern ensures both sides receive adequate stimulation without the additive harmful effects of concurrent vibration, thus resolving the contradiction between comprehensive engagement and discomfort.
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
This approach reduces discomfort and risk of damage, allowing for longer exercise sessions while effectively targeting muscle-skeletal structures without harming sensitive areas, promoting better venous and lymphatic circulation and bone health.
Implementation Method 1
first vibration generating means (9) and second vibration generating means (10), which generate vibrations in a first and in a second time interval, respectively, in an alternating way
Implementation Method 2
The device for generating vibrations used in vibrating platforms can also be of the electromagnetically actuated type, having an operating principle totally analogous to that of a loudspeaker for reproducing sounds
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A gymnastic equipment (1), comprising a first element (2), which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a first portion (3) of the user's body (5), a second element (6), which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a second portion (7) of the user's body (5), wherein the first portion (3) and the second portion (7) being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the sagittal plane (SP) of the user's body (5). The equipment further comprises first vibration generating means (9) associated to said first element (2), second vibration generating means (10) associated to said second element (6), and a control unit (11) to which said first vibration generating means (9) and said second vibration generating means (10) are operatively connected. The control unit (11) of the gymnastic equipment comprises independent actuation means (12) of said first vibration generating means (9) and of said second vibration generating means (10) adapted for actuating the first means (9) and the second means (10) in respective first and second time periods (T1,T2) alternating with each other in sequence and not overlapping.