Anterior Muscle Stretching Device for Prolonged Sitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stretching muscles and ligaments primarily focus on stretching posterior muscles and ligaments, neglecting the need to stretch and elongate tighter, shorter anterior muscles and ligaments, which become imbalanced due to prolonged sitting, leading to muscle and joint pain.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base frame, vertical member, rotational lift lever, and lower extremity elevation member that allows differential stretching of anterior muscles and ligaments by lifting the legs off the ground, adjustable in height and displacement to accommodate different body types, facilitating passive stretching without overstretching posterior muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing stretching devices are used to stretch posterior muscles and ligaments, then posterior muscle stretching is improved, but anterior muscle stretching is neglected leading to muscle imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching device is divided into separate functional components: a first stretching mechanism for posterior muscles and a second stretching mechanism for anterior muscles. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific muscle group while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple stretching functions simultaneously - it can stretch both posterior muscles (through the first mechanism) and anterior muscles (through the second mechanism) using a single integrated system, making it universally applicable to comprehensive muscle balancing needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If anterior muscles are stretched to counteract sitting effects, then muscle balance is improved, but risk of overstretching weaker posterior muscles increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each stretching mechanism is designed with localized properties appropriate for its target muscle group. The first mechanism has characteristics optimized for posterior muscles while the second mechanism has characteristics optimized for anterior muscles, allowing differentiated stretching forces and ranges of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and controllable elements that allow dynamic modification of stretching parameters. This enables the system to adapt stretching intensity and duration based on real-time conditions, preventing overstretching while maintaining effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The device and methods disclosed herein allow an individual to create and sustain a differential stretch to the anterior muscles and ligaments of the torso, hips, and legs. The device includes a base frame, a vertical member secured to the base frame, a rotational lift lever secured to the vertical member at a vertical pivot member, a lower extremity elevation member secured to the rotational lift lever, and at least one lower extremity attachment device secured to the lower extremity elevation member. In methods of use, the device lifts an individual's legs off the ground, while the person is lying face down, to create a stretch in the anterior muscles, fascia, or ligaments. The device has various planes of rotation, which allows for differential stretching in the various quadrants of the person's torso. The device is height adjustable and displaceable along a track to accommodate different body types.