Convertible Side Plank Device with Inflatable Base and Removable Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side plank exercise devices limit user foot position options during balance and stability exercises due to uneven platforms caused by recessed footwells, restricting comfortable stances and exercise variety.
Innovation Solution
A convertible exercise device with a flat platform, convex domed base, and removable footwell inserts that form a continuous flat surface, allowing for various foot positions and incorporating an inflatable air chamber for adjustable stability and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If recessed footwells are incorporated into the platform to support side plank exercises, then the device can perform side plank exercises with proper foot positioning, but the platform surface becomes uneven which limits user foot position options for balance exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into two functional zones: recessed footwells for side plank exercises and a flat surrounding surface for balance exercises. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall platform integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface qualities are applied to different locations on the platform. The footwells have a recessed configuration optimized for side plank foot positioning, while the surrounding platform maintains a flat surface optimized for balance exercise foot placements. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific exercise type.
2Ease of operation
If a flat platform surface is used to allow various foot positions for balance exercises, then user comfort and exercise variety are improved, but the device cannot properly support side plank exercises requiring recessed footwells
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into two functional zones: recessed footwells for side plank exercises and a flat surrounding surface for balance exercises. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall platform integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface qualities are applied to different locations on the platform. The footwells have a recessed configuration optimized for side plank foot positioning, while the surrounding platform maintains a flat surface optimized for balance exercise foot placements. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific exercise type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed structure is used for the device, then structural stability is maintained, but the device cannot be compressed to reduced dimensions for storage or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The platform and base are designed with movable connections that allow the device to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural stability during exercise use.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure incorporates flexible or collapsible elements that allow the device to be compressed to reduced dimensions for storage while maintaining structural integrity during exercise use. The base can expand to provide stable support during exercises and collapse for compact 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
Enables efficient side plank exercises with adjustable foot positions and enhanced muscle engagement, while supporting balance and stability exercises with improved comfort and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable air chamber, the air chamber being disposed rearwardly of the platform and forwardly of the rear panel, the rear panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, the rear panel inner surface being in fluid communication with the air chamber
Implementation Method 2
a valve, the valve being in fluid communication with the air chamber, being operative to permit the air chamber to be inflated and deflated through the valve
Implementation Method 3
a base disposed on the rear side, the base being connected to and extending rearwardly from the platform, the base comprising a convex curved rear surface
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible side plank and balance exercise device includes a platform and a base extending rearwardly from the platform. The convertible exercise device has a circular or oval front perimeter that extends around the platform. The base has a domed rear surface. A front side of the device includes left and right footwells for receiving a left shoe and a right shoe when the device is in a side plank exercise configuration. The device further includes removable left and right footwell inserts that are removably insertable into the footwells to provide a flat front surface on the front side of the device in a balance exercise configuration. The base includes an air chamber with an inflation and deflation valve and a distensible rear panel comprising the domed rear surface, the rear panel collapsing for storage and shipping when the air chamber is deflated.