Anti-Fatigue Mat with Embedded Rotating Disk for Safe User Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-fatigue mats do not adequately address the need for enhanced user engagement and stability, particularly in designs that incorporate rotating elements, which can lead to accidents and material damage.
Innovation Solution
An anti-fatigue mat featuring a base member made from elastomeric materials like rubber or closed-cell foam, with a rotating disk that is substantially embedded into the base, allowing 360-degree rotation and a textured surface for user interaction, providing support and preventing accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating disk is added to enhance user engagement, then user engagement and blood circulation are improved, but stability and accident prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk is nested within a recess in the base member, with the disk being substantially received within the recess. This nesting arrangement allows the disk to rotate for user engagement while being contained within the base structure, preventing the disk from detaching or causing accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a flat two-dimensional mat surface to a three-dimensional structure by adding a rotating disk that protrudes from the base member. This dimensional change enables new interaction modes (rotation) while the recess provides containment in the vertical dimension to maintain safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating disk protrudes from the base member to enable rotation, then user interaction is enhanced, but the risk of accidents and material damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk is substantially received within the recess, creating a nested configuration where the rotating element is contained within a protective cavity. This allows the disk to perform its rotation function while being physically constrained by the recess walls, preventing it from becoming a hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is configured beforehand to prevent the disk from rotating beyond safe limits or detaching from the base member. This preliminary structural constraint acts as a preventive measure against potential accidents before they can occur during use.
3Reliability
If the disk is substantially embedded into the base member, then stability and safety are improved, but the complexity of manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is segmented into distinct components: a base member with a recess and a separate rotating disk. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the embedded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the connection between the base member and the rotating disk. By providing a pre-formed cavity, the recess simplifies the embedding process and serves as a guide for positioning the disk during assembly.
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 solution enhances user engagement, reduces fatigue through improved blood circulation, and prevents accidents by ensuring a smooth transition between the base and disk surfaces, while maintaining structural integrity and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a base member constructed from an elastomeric material, the base member having a top surface configured to receive a foot or shoe of a user
Implementation Method 2
a disk configured to rotate, wherein a substantial portion of the disk is embedded into the base member
Data Source
AI summary
An improved anti-fatigue mat is provided. The anti-fatigue mat includes a base member constructed from an elastomeric material configured to receive a foot or shoe of a user. A disk configured to rotate is provided, the disk having a disk top surface, wherein the disk top surface is flush or approximately flush with at least a portion of the base top surface. A substantial portion of the disk is embedded into the base member. The rotating disk is configured to rotate 360 degrees in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction enabling a user to rotate the disk in either direction via leg movements. A plurality of raised elements protruding from the top surface of the base member may be optionally provided.