Balance Training Device with Ball Caster and Elastic Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balance training devices limit movement patterns and sensorimotor training stimuli due to restricted degrees of freedom, failing to replicate the dynamic balance and complex forces encountered in sports like surfing and snowboarding.

Innovation Solution

A balance training device featuring a ball caster on an oval base plate with a board connected by rubber bands, allowing movements in 5 degrees of freedom: horizontal shifting, tilting, rotating, and vectorial composition, mimicking the dynamic balance of sports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If classic therapy boards or wobble boards with fixed fulcrums are used, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the degrees of freedom of movement are limited and training stimuli become monotonous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of freedom of movementVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed fulcrum with a ball caster that enables dynamic movement in multiple degrees of freedom. The board can now move horizontally, tilt, and rotate freely rather than being constrained to a single pivot point, creating variable training stimuli while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of elastic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the support system by introducing elastic components (rubber bands) that allow the board to move in 5 degrees of freedom. This transforms the static, single-point support into a dynamic, multi-directional support system that adapts to various movement patterns while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the board is fixed to the base plate with rigid connections, then the device structure is stable and simple, but it cannot simulate the dynamic balance and complex forces of sports like surfing and snowboarding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic balance simulationVSAvoidboard connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible elastic components (rubber bands) to connect the board to the base plate, replacing rigid connections. These flexible elements allow the board to move dynamically in multiple directions while maintaining connection stability, accurately simulating the complex forces and dynamic balance conditions of sports like surfing and snowboarding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic components serve as intermediaries between the base plate and the board, transmitting forces while allowing dynamic movement. This intermediary system enables the board to respond naturally to user movements and external forces, creating realistic sport-like training conditions without requiring rigid direct connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rubber bands or elastic components are used to connect the board to the base plate, then the board can move in 5 degrees of freedom simulating sport dynamics, but the board may experience excessive deflection and jerky movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidmovement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using rubber bands with specific elastic properties that dampen movements and prevent excessive deflection. The elastic components are selected and configured to provide sufficient resistance to control jerky movements while still allowing the board to move in 5 degrees of freedom, ensuring both movement freedom and reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables complex movement patterns and improved long-term movement coordination, simulating reflex mechanisms of dynamic sports, enhancing both athletic performance and everyday fitness training.

Implementation Method 1

The board is connected to the base plate by rubber bands or similar elastic components 40

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a ball caster mounted on a base plate with a board located on it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing friction reduction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP2228101B1Training and exercise device for improving sensorimotor skills, reflex control and therefore balance regulation and human movement coordination

Publication Date: 2012.02.15 MORITZ MARTIN

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The device has a base plate (10) formed in an oval-shape, and a mount (20) fixed on the base plate and formed in a hemispherical-shape. A ball roller (21) is present in the mount, and a board (30) rests on the ball roller. The board is provided with a rubber plate (31), a bottom board (32), and a top board (33), and is connected with the base plate by an elastic component (40) i.e. rubber band. A cavity fixes the ball roller and a nut, such that the mount and the ball roller are formed as a single-component. The rubber plate is formed in square- or circular shape.