Aquatic Exercise Fin Assembly with Adjustable Strap System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aqua exercise resistance equipment often fails to provide a consistent and adjustable level of resistance, is difficult to attach and adjust, and can deteriorate in chlorinated water, leading to unbalanced resistance and the need for full assembly replacement.

Innovation Solution

A fin assembly with a strap system comprising an inner and outer strap with hook and loop fasteners, where the outer strap is longer than the inner strap, allowing secure attachment of fins and adjustable resistance levels, and a kit of parts with different fin sizes for varying resistance levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If aqua exercise resistance equipment is designed to provide adjustable resistance levels, then the adaptability for different fitness levels is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable resistance levelsVSAvoidequipment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The equipment is divided into separate modular components: interchangeable fins, adjustable straps with multiple attachment points, and separable fastening systems. This allows users to adjust resistance by changing fin positions or selecting different fin sizes without complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap system incorporates adjustable length and multiple attachment points that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different resistance levels. Users can modify the strap configuration based on their fitness level and exercise requirements, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the equipment uses materials resistant to chlorinated water, then the reliability and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to chlorinated water deteriorationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies materials with particular chemical resistance properties (such as certain plastics, polymers, or coated fabrics) that can withstand chlorinated water environments. By selecting materials with appropriate resistance parameters while maintaining standard manufacturing processes, the invention achieves durability without excessive cost increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the strap system allows easy adjustment for different users, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for different usersVSAvoidstrap system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap system is designed with universal adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate different limb sizes and user preferences. Multiple attachment points, adjustable lengths, and interchangeable components allow a single strap system to serve multiple functions and fit various users without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each user type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the fins are securely attached to the strap, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of adjustment for different resistance levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidadjustability of resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fin attachment system incorporates pre-positioned attachment points and alignment features that ensure secure attachment when properly configured. Users can easily adjust resistance by selecting different pre-established attachment points or interchangeable fin positions, maintaining both security and adjustability without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10596418B2Aquatic exercise device
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 AQUA GROUP LIMITED
  • US10596418B2 patent drawing
  • US10596418B2 patent drawing
  • US10596418B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fin assembly for aqua resistance exercise comprises a strap having an inner strap and an outer strap, and with fastener(s) provided to an outside of the inner strap and an inside of the outer strap to releasably attach the inner and outer straps together. One or more fins are received on the outer strap and a longitudinal position of the one or more fins is secured by engagement of the inner strap to the outer strap. The length of the inner strap is longer than a length of the outer strap, so that an extending end portion of the outer strap can overlap and engage an opposite end of the outer strap to secure the fin assembly about the user's limb.