Bistable Spring Straps for Self-Donning Exercise Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise assistance apparatuses are difficult for users with limited physical mobility to put on independently, requiring assistance from another person.
Innovation Solution
The exercise assistance apparatus incorporates a bistable spring mechanism in the straps, allowing them to transition between two stable states: one where the straps extend forward and another where they overlap. This mechanism enables the straps to adapt and facilitate self-donning by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional exercise assistance apparatus are used, then exercise assistance function is provided, but users with limited physical mobility cannot put on the apparatus independently
Solution Approach 1:
The strap incorporates a bistable spring mechanism that enables dynamic shape transformation between two stable states: an extended state for easy donning and a wrapped state for securing the user's body. This dynamic adaptability allows the strap to transition from a rigid structure to a flexible wrapping configuration without requiring manual adjustment or assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable spring changes the physical state of the strap by transforming its shape parameters between two discrete stable configurations. The spring's elastic deformation allows the strap to switch between an extended parameter state (for easy application) and a wrapped parameter state (for secure fitting), enabling independent donning by users with limited mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the strap uses a rigid structure to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but the strap cannot adapt to wrap around the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
The strap transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure through the bistable spring mechanism. The spring enables the strap to maintain shape stability in the extended state while allowing controlled deformation to wrap around the user's body, achieving both structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable spring modifies the strap's physical parameters by enabling shape transformation between two stable states. The spring's elastic properties allow the strap to change its configuration from extended to wrapped, adapting to different body shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the stable states.
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 bistable spring mechanism allows the straps to transform and wrap around the user's body, enabling independent donning and providing assistance for exercises, thus addressing the challenge of user mobility limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable spring (12) provided inside the strap (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A supporter according to an embodiment comprises: a main body; a pair of main frames connected to the main body; a pair of straps connected to the pair of main frames, respectively; and a bistable spring which is provided inside each of the pair of the straps and maintained in one of two stable states by a restoring force. The two stable states include a first stable state in which the bistable spring has a shape extending straight along the longitudinal direction and a second stable state in which the bistable spring has a shape that is bent once. The shape of the strap is determined according to the shape of the bistable spring.