Fully collapsible exercise device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-distance travelers face a high risk of deep vein thrombosis due to prolonged immobility during flights, and existing solutions do not provide a compact and effective exercise device for use on airplanes to mitigate this risk.
Innovation Solution
A compact exercise device that can be unfolded for use, featuring a pedal crank with pivotally mounted pedals, adjustable struts with a hinge for folding, and a tensioner for resistance adjustment, which can be secured to an airline seat and stored in a collapsed configuration for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the exercise device is designed to be compact for transport, then it can be easily stored and transported on airplanes, but it may lack the stability and functionality needed for effective exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into multiple collapsible struts that can be segmented and folded. Each strut contains internal hinges that allow the structure to collapse into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining structural integrity during exercise operations
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable struts with internal hinges that transition between extended and collapsed states. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt its volume from a compact transport state to a stable operational state, resolving the contradiction between portability and exercise effectiveness
2Stability of the object's composition
If the struts are made rigid for structural support, then the device maintains stability during exercise, but it becomes difficult to collapse and store
Solution Approach 1:
Each strut is segmented into multiple sections connected by internal hinges. These segments can rotate relative to each other, allowing the rigid-looking strut to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining structural support when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The struts incorporate internal hinges that enable dynamic transformation between rigid extended states for stability and collapsed states for storage. The hinges allow controlled movement while the extended structure provides necessary structural support during exercise
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal crank is designed with adjustable tension for resistance control, then users can customize exercise intensity, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner mechanism is designed to be manually adjusted by the user without requiring external tools or complex mechanical systems. The user can directly control the resistance level through a simple tensioner interface, maintaining low device complexity while providing adaptability
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 allows passengers to perform exercises that enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis without leaving their seat, while being compact enough to fit in limited spaces and easily storable under furniture.
Implementation Method 1
one of the struts has a hinge that allows the leg to fold inward into a collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
A tensioner associated with the crank housing is connected to the pedal crank for selectively increasing and decreasing the force needed to turn the pedal crank
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device with a crank housing supporting a pedal crank having a pair of opposing pedals that are pivotally mounted to the pedal crank. A first strut extends from the crank housing and is jointed to a second strut by a coupling that selectively allows the struts to rotate relative to each other so that the device may be folded into a planar configuration or extended for use. A cross-member is positioned at the end of each strut to form legs for supporting the pedal crank in an upright position. A tensioner is associated with the crank housing for selectively increasing and decreasing the force needed to turn the pedal crank. A telescoping arm may be used to interconnect the exercise device to a table or seat so that it can be folded and stored under the table or seat, and unstowed and unfolded for easy use.