Contoured Exercise Board with Curved Surface for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for Pilates and yoga training lack the necessary support and stability to enhance flexibility, balance, and confidence for individuals, particularly older adults and those with limited physical abilities, as they struggle to perform certain exercises and maintain desired body positions.
Innovation Solution
A contoured, flexible board with a complex curvature and optional straps and pads, designed to provide stability and support during exercises, allowing users to perform Pilates and yoga poses with improved flexibility and balance, and confidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatus (mats, blocks, ropes) are used for Pilates and yoga training, then the equipment is simple and easy to manufacture, but they lack sufficient support and stability to improve flexibility, balance, and confidence
Solution Approach 1:
The board features a contoured surface with complex curvature including convex and concave portions along its length. This curvature provides targeted support to different body regions (hips, lower back, shoulders, head) during exercise, enhancing stability and flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If individuals attempt to perform Pilates exercises and yoga positions without adequate support, then they may maintain independence and avoid additional equipment, but they lack confidence and ability to properly perform exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured board is designed to automatically adapt to the user's body shape and exercise position. The complex curvature provides inherent support and guidance for proper form without requiring the user to actively adjust or control the apparatus, making exercises easier to perform correctly while maintaining device simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If older adults and individuals with limited flexibility attempt traditional Pilates and yoga positions, then they may maintain independence, but they cannot achieve desired body positions due to lack of flexibility and balance
Solution Approach 1:
The board's contoured surface provides differentiated support at various locations along its length. Convex portions offer support for areas requiring elevation and stabilization, while concave portions provide cradling support for areas requiring flexibility and comfort. This localized variation in surface geometry adapts to different body types and ability levels without complicating the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and associated methods for facilitating exercise and training includes an elongate board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a length direction and a width direction. The top surface of the board defines a complex curvature including an end convex portion adjacent each opposed end of the board, a center convex portion at a center of the board, and a medial concave portion disposed between the center convex portion and each of the end convex portions. The opposed ends of an elongate strap are threaded upwardly within a slot from the bottom surface to the top surface. At least one pad is provided on the top surface of the board. An opening through the board defines a handhold for gripping and lifting the board. The board may further include a plurality of omnidirectional rollers depending from the bottom surface for movement in any direction.