Dual flex footrest for increasing circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footrests do not effectively enhance circulation, which is beneficial for overall health, and fail to provide targeted support for calf muscles while a user is seated.
Innovation Solution
A dual flex footrest with elongated bottom and upper portions connected by flexing portions and shock absorbers, allowing users to contract and stretch their Achilles tendon and calf muscles, providing resistance and promoting circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional footrests are used to provide support for feet, then structural simplicity is maintained, but circulation enhancement and calf muscle targeting are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is divided into multiple functional segments: rigid bottom portions for stability, flexible upper portions for active engagement, and shock absorbers for controlled resistance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve circulation enhancement without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic exercise device through the flexible upper portions that can be actively flexed by the user. This dynamic capability enables calf muscle engagement and circulation enhancement while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of inherent material flexibility rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Reliability
If shock absorbers are added to provide resistance and enable flexing, then circulation enhancement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Shock absorbers serve as intermediary elements between the rigid bottom portions and flexible upper portions, providing controlled resistance to user movement. These intermediaries enable the footrest to offer therapeutic resistance for circulation enhancement without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the shock absorbers naturally provide the necessary damping and resistance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbers enable controlled changes in the mechanical parameters of the footrest, specifically providing variable resistance during the flexing motion. This parameter change allows the device to offer optimal resistance for calf muscle engagement and circulation enhancement while maintaining structural simplicity through passive mechanical elements rather than active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the footrest is designed for seated use, then accessibility is improved, but the effectiveness of calf muscle targeting may be reduced compared to standing apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest design compensates for the seated position by introducing vertical flexing motion through the flexible upper portions. This dimensional change in movement pattern allows calf muscle engagement from a seated position, achieving effectiveness comparable to standing apparatuses while maintaining the accessibility advantage of seated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible upper portions are designed to be actively flexed by the user's own calf muscles, creating a self-service exercise mechanism. This self-powered flexing action ensures effective calf muscle targeting regardless of whether the user is seated or standing, while the seated configuration provides easier accessibility and comfort for prolonged use.
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 footrest increases circulation, reduces leg swelling, cramps, and pain, and enhances oxygenated blood flow, alertness, and productivity by targeting calf muscles, addressing issues like arthritis, diabetes complications, and nerve pain.
Implementation Method 1
Shock absorbers are positioned between the right and left upper and lower portions to allow the footrest to be flexed a certain amount providing optimal stretching of the Achilles tendon and/or calves. The shock absorber also prevents the upper portions from bending or breaking after long-term use.
Implementation Method 2
Elongated right and left upper portions are connected to the elongated right and left bottom portions, respectively, via right and left flexing portions. A shock absorber is formed between each set of upper and bottom portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual flex footrest having separate elongated upper portions connected to elongated bottom portions via flexing portions, allowing a user to flex each foot individually to increase circulation to the user's body. The footrest aids in reducing leg swelling, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, complications from arthritis and diabetes, neuropath, nerve pain and knee and foot pain. The footrest also aids in increasing oxygenated blood rich in nutrients, alertness, creativity, and productivity.