Collapsible Hand Exercise Assembly with Adjustable Resilient Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand exercisers are limited in providing a wide range of resistance levels and are not effective in reducing muscle pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, as they restrict hand movement and do not adequately address repetitive strain injuries common in computer users.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible hand exercise assembly with a rectangular box frame and adjustable vertical member, featuring resilient members made of rubber with varying elasticity modulus, providing multiple resistance levels and allowing for adjustable height and versatile hand movements to alleviate pain and strengthen grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hand exercisers use fixed resistance materials (springs, rubber balls), then the device structure is simple, but the resistance range is limited (20-80 degrees) and hand movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the resistance mechanism into multiple independent resilient members (springs) arranged in different orientations (vertical and horizontal). Each spring can be independently configured with different stiffness values, allowing the system to provide a wide range of resistance levels without requiring a single complex resistance mechanism. This segmentation enables the hand to perform movements in multiple directions with varied resistance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from fixed resistance materials to a dynamic spring system where the resistance force varies based on the hand's position and movement. The springs are configured to engage and disengage at different stages of hand movement, providing progressive resistance that adapts to the user's hand position and movement range, thereby enabling a wider effective resistance range (0-180 degrees).
2Ease of operation
If hand exercisers force the hand to contract within a single range of movement, then the device structure is simple, but the hand movement is limited and benefits are minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to accommodate multiple hand movements and exercises through a single unified structure. The resilient members are arranged to support various hand positions and movement types (flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation) within one device, making it universally applicable for different rehabilitation needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds dimensional freedom by allowing hand movement in multiple directions simultaneously. Instead of restricting motion to a single plane, the resilient members are configured in vertical and horizontal orientations, enabling the hand to move through a three-dimensional range of motion (0-180 degrees) while maintaining proper resistance application throughout the movement spectrum.
3Reliability
If existing exercisers are used for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, then some rehabilitation benefit is provided, but severe cases require medical attention and existing exercises are not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables parameter changes in resistance magnitude and direction to match the specific needs of different rehabilitation stages. By configuring resilient members with varying stiffness values and orientations, the system can provide gentle resistance for early-stage carpal tunnel rehabilitation or more challenging resistance for advanced cases, making the exercise adaptable to the patient's recovery progress and severity level.
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 collapsible hand exercise assembly offers a wide range of resistance levels, reducing muscle pain and carpal tunnel syndrome by allowing for varied hand movements, increasing grip strength and providing a portable, versatile solution for rehabilitation and strengthening exercises.
Implementation Method 1
resilient members made of rubber, with different resistance levels
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible hand exercise assembly is disclosed. The frame comprises a substantially rectangular box having a plurality of panels to define a hollow upper section and the box is removably attached to a hollow vertical member via a fastening mechanism. The hollow vertical member is fixedly attached to a weighted base section of the frame. The hollow section comprises a plurality of resilient members tensioned to the sidewalls of the rectangular box is configured to provide resistance for muscles when a user performs the hand exercise.