Ankle Strengthening Device with Variable Resistance Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for strengthening the foot, ankle, and lower leg in physical activities provide little resistance and are not convenient, often focusing on symptom treatment rather than comprehensive strengthening, which can lead to increased injury risk and neglect neural patterning.
Innovation Solution
An ankle strengthening device utilizing stretchable bands with adjustable resistance levels, a tubular portion, and a fastener portion to provide resistance during flexion, extension, inversion, and eversion movements, allowing for enhanced neural recruitment and anatomically designed range of motion training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If common foot, lower leg, and ankle training exercises are used, then the training is convenient and easy to perform, but the resistance provided is insufficient leading to limited strengthening效果
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing multiple resistance levels (first, second, and third resistance levels) that can be selected based on training needs. The system changes the resistance parameter from fixed to variable, allowing users to progress from lower to higher resistance as strength improves, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and sufficient resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static resistance to dynamic resistance by allowing adjustment between multiple resistance levels during training. The resistance is no longer fixed but can be modified based on performance, creating a dynamic training experience that maintains both convenience and adequate resistance challenge.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If current symptom-focused treatments are used, then immediate relief may be provided, but the underlying weakness is not addressed leading to increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a progressive resistance training program that strengthens muscles before injury occurs. Rather than treating symptoms after injury, the system proactively builds strength through structured resistance levels, preventing injuries before they happen by addressing underlying weakness in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by creating a progressive training regimen that gradually increases resistance to prepare tissues for higher loads. This gradual progression cushions against sudden injuries by building tolerance and strength incrementally, rather than exposing users to high resistance immediately.
3Strength
If high resistance training is implemented, then strengthening效果 is improved, but the complexity of the training apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the resistance training into discrete, manageable resistance levels (first, second, and third levels). Each level represents a segmented step in the progression, making the complex task of high resistance training accessible through modular, incremental steps rather than requiring a single complex high-resistance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by designing a single apparatus that can provide multiple resistance levels for different muscle groups and training stages. Rather than requiring separate devices for different resistance needs, one multi-functional apparatus handles all resistance training requirements from low to high resistance across various exercises.
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 effectively strengthens the musculature of the foot and lower leg, enhancing functional range of motion and flexibility while reducing the risk of injury through portable and practical resistance training.
Implementation Method 1
stretchable bands with adjustable resistance levels
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle-strengthening device includes a stretchable band including a first portion and a second portion. A tubular portion has a proximal end and distal end. The tubular portion is fixed between the first portion of the stretchable band and the second portion of the stretchable band. The proximal end of the tubular portion has at an opening configured to receive a toe of a user. A fastener portion has a first attachment point and a second attachment point, such that, when fixed on the lower leg of the user, the first attachment point of the fastener is configured to connect with the first portion of the stretchable band, and the second attachment point of the fastener portion is configured to connect with the second portion of the stretchable band, thereby creating resistance to the user through dorsiflexion and/or pronation upon application of the device by the user.