Collapsible Pyramid Exercise Frame for Compact Balance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stability balls are large, bulky, difficult to store, and eventually deflate, making them impractical for exercise due to their size and durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible exercise device with a pyramid structure comprising a lower and upper frame that can pivot relative to each other, allowing for easy storage and portability, featuring a linking structure with couplings and a latch for secure exercise positions, and optionally including a removable seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stability ball is used for exercise, then balance and core muscle engagement are improved, but the device occupies excessive storage space and is difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into multiple collapsible frame segments (lower frame with base structure and posts, upper frame with top structure and posts) that can be separated and compacted individually, transforming the volume from expanded exercise position to collapsed storage position while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static stability ball to a dynamic collapsible frame structure that can change volume and configuration between exercise and storage states through pivotable connections and collapsible mechanisms, allowing the same structure to serve both functional and storage needs
2Ease of operation
If a stability ball is used for exercise, then core muscle engagement is improved, but the device loses air and deflates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential functional elements (frame structure, pivotable connections, collapsible mechanism) from the stability ball concept, creating a rigid frame-based device that eliminates the air-filled bladder component entirely, thereby removing the source of deflation and durability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses durable rigid frame materials and mechanical pivotable connections instead of air-filled bladders, creating a long-lasting structure that does not degrade from air loss or material fatigue over time
3Volume of moving object
If a collapsible frame structure is used, then storage space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular segments (base structure, lower frame posts, upper frame posts, top structure) with standardized pivotable connections, allowing the complexity to be managed through modular assembly while achieving compact collapse for storage
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 device provides a compact and portable exercise solution that maintains the balance and core muscle engagement benefits of stability balls while minimizing storage space and durability concerns.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the four lower frame posts can be pivotally connected to the base structure by a hinge
Implementation Method 2
the linking structure connects the upper frame to the lower frame such that the upper frame can pivot relative to the lower frame when the device is in its upright exercise position
Implementation Method 3
The latch can comprise a hook formed in one of the lower couplings and a projection formed in the other lower coupling, the hook configured to latch onto the projection
Data Source
AI summary
A device useful for exercise having a collapsed and an upright exercise position, the device comprising a collapsible lower frame and a collapsible upper frame. The lower frame has lower frame posts pivotably connected to a base structure. The lower frame post upper portions are linked together by a linking structure such that the lower frame posts form a pyramid structure in the lower frame upright exercise position. The collapsible upper frame has a upper frame posts pivotally connected to a top structure. The upper frame post lower portions are linked together by the linking structure such that the upper frame posts form an inverted pyramid in the upper frame upright exercise position. The linking structure connects the upper frame to the lower frame such that the upper frame can pivot relative to the lower frame when the device is in its upright exercise position.