Collapsible Yoga Block Structure for Portable Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yoga blocks are bulky and occupy significant space, making them inconvenient for travel, while also needing to be structurally sound to support a user's weight during practice.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible yoga block design that transitions between an expanded state for use and a compact state for transport, featuring a folding mechanism, internal support structures, and locking mechanisms to maintain stability and prevent accidental collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a yoga block is made with a solid, rigid structure to support user weight, then structural strength is improved, but volume and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The yoga block is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can slide relative to each other. When collapsed, the segments nest within one another, significantly reducing volume. When expanded and locked, the segments form a rigid structure capable of supporting user weight during yoga practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoga block transitions from a static, fixed-volume structure to a dynamic, variable-volume structure. The telescoping mechanism allows the block to change its dimensions between a compact collapsed state for portability and an expanded stable state for use, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a yoga block is designed to be collapsible for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Before use, the user performs the action of expanding and locking the telescoping segments, preparing the block in advance to ensure structural stability. The locking mechanism is engaged beforehand to prevent accidental collapse during yoga practice, addressing the stability concern proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the telescoping segments. This locking component mediates the transition between collapsed and expanded states, ensuring that when expanded, the segments are securely held in position to provide structural stability during use.
3Volume of moving object
If a yoga block uses a telescoping mechanism to reduce volume, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping segments are designed to nest within one another in a concentric arrangement, similar to nested dolls. This nesting configuration maximizes volume reduction when collapsed while minimizing the complexity of the connection mechanisms, as each segment simply telescopes into the previous one.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to easily engage and disengage it without requiring complex operations. The mechanism may include features like spring-loaded locks or simple lever actions that users can operate with one hand, reducing the perceived complexity despite the telescoping functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible block comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel coupled with the first top side and the first bottom side; a second side panel coupled with the second top side and the second bottom side, wherein the first and second side panels are configured to be collapsible, the first and second side panels are moveable between: a first position where a first distance exists between the top and bottom panels; and a second position where a second distance exists between the top and bottom panels, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance; and a support mechanism located between the top and bottom panels, wherein the support mechanism is configured to withhold a force applied on the top panel or the bottom panel and prevent the first and second side panels from collapsing under the force and move to the second position.