Backrest Cutouts for Scapular Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bench press machines often restrict scapular retraction due to their design, particularly for users with narrower backs, limiting the range of motion and forcing users to arch their back to perform the exercise.

Innovation Solution

The backrest features a novel design with cutouts on both sides that allow the user's shoulder blades to retract beyond the top surface plane, combined with an adjustable incline or decline mechanism and a multi-layered cushioning system for enhanced comfort and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the backrest is designed with a continuous solid surface, then structural stability and simplicity are improved, but the range of motion for scapular retraction is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes material from the backrest by introducing cutouts or grooves on the lateral sides. This extraction of material creates space for the scapula to retract beyond the top surface plane of the backrest, thereby increasing the range of motion without compromising the overall structural stability of the backrest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the backrest uses a single-layer cushioning design, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but comfort and pressure distribution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest cushioning is divided into multiple layers with different material properties. Each layer serves a specific function: the first layer provides initial comfort, the second layer offers additional cushioning, and the third layer provides support. This segmentation allows the backrest to distribute pressure more effectively and enhance comfort while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple layers of different cushioning materials. This composite structure leverages the advantages of each material to provide superior comfort and pressure distribution compared to a single-layer design, while the modular nature of composite construction keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest accommodates users with narrower backs, then adaptability to different body types is improved, but the risk of back arching and injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to body typesVSAvoidback arching and injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By removing material to create cutouts or grooves on the lateral sides of the backrest, the design allows users with narrower backs to maintain proper scapular retraction without needing to arch their back. This extraction of material eliminates the harmful factor of back arching while maintaining adaptability to different body types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250152994A1Exercise backrest allowing for increased range of motion

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 JON HOLSBACH FITNESS - MECHANICAL BY NATURE LLC

AI summary

A backrest intended for a workout bench, having cutouts configured to allow a portion of a user's upper body to retract past a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest. This provides an enhanced range of motion and enhanced safety to the user as the user's upper body is allowed to properly pull back to a greater degree. A novel composition of materials featuring multiple layers arranged in a novel way within the backrest provides comfort, longevity, and structure to the backrest. A method of manufacturing the bench, including the addition of each layer in a structural order is further described.