Bench Assembly for Quadriceps and Hip Flexor Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stretching methods for the quadriceps femoris and hip flexors muscle groups are inadequate as they often fail to effectively stretch and develop the entire muscle mass, particularly omitting a significant percentage of the quadriceps muscle tissue and do not provide comprehensive therapy for full muscle development.
Innovation Solution
A bench assembly designed to stretch and develop the quadriceps femoris and/or hip flexors muscle groups, featuring a basal subassembly with a front member, side members, and upwardly oriented columns supporting a client support pad with a knee-hinge edge, allowing for targeted stretching and hip flexure regimens under the guidance of a therapist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stretching methods are used, then the stretch is simple and easy to perform, but only a small portion (about 10%) of the quadriceps muscle tissue is stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The bench assembly segments the quadriceps stretching process into distinct phases: initial positioning on the knee-hinge edge, controlled knee extension, and progressive hip flexion. This segmentation allows different portions of the quadriceps muscle group to be systematically targeted, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all muscle tissue rather than just the rectus femoris portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a hip flexion dimension to the traditional knee extension stretch. By combining knee extension with progressive hip flexion on the inclined bench, the stretch engages multiple muscle fibers in the quadriceps group that would not be activated by simple knee extension alone, thereby increasing the quantity of muscle tissue stretched.
2Device complexity
If conventional stretching methods are used, then the equipment requirement is minimal, but comprehensive quadriceps development is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bench assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that combines knee support, hip support, and angle adjustment capabilities into a single apparatus. The knee-hinge edge serves multiple purposes: supporting the knee in flexion, providing a pivot point for extension, and maintaining proper alignment during the stretch. This universality achieves comprehensive quadriceps development without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench assembly utilizes adjustable incline angles to modify the stretching parameters. By changing the bench angle, the therapist can control the degree of hip flexion and knee extension, thereby precisely targeting different portions of the quadriceps muscle group. This parameter adjustment capability ensures effective stretching while maintaining equipment simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If progressive extension is implemented, then full muscle group development is achieved, but the therapy time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bench assembly enables continuous progressive extension by maintaining the client in a stable recumbent position throughout the therapy session. The knee-hinge edge and hip support continuously guide the movement through the full range of motion, allowing the therapist to progressively increase the stretch intensity without interrupting the client's position or requiring repositioning, thereby reducing overall therapy time.
Solution Approach 2:
The client is positioned on the bench with knees initially flexed and supported before the stretching begins. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and muscle engagement from the start of the therapy, eliminating setup time during the actual stretching procedure and allowing immediate progression into the therapeutic exercise sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A bench assembly that stretches and develops the quadriceps femoris and/or hip flexors muscle groups of a client with the help of a therapist or trainer. The bench assembly has a basal subassembly with a front member that faces the therapist. Extending rearwardly from the front member is a first side member. A rear member extends laterally from the first side member. Each of the front and rear members have an upwardly oriented column that extends from a bottom rail of the associated member. The columns underlie a client support pad on which the client may lie recumbent and face upwardly with his/her legs positioned towards the front member before a trainer applies a stretching regimen to the legs and/or hips.