Dynamic Flexion Board with Rib Hinges for Sedentary Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balance boards are not suitable for use in sedentary environments, such as while sitting or standing at a desk, as they do not facilitate movement and lower limb circulation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible multi-planar flexion board with linear ribs and a central fulcrum hinge, combined with an elastic element, provides resistance motion and stimulates muscle activation and blood flow by allowing movement about multiple spatial planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional balance boards are used, then balance and coordination skills are improved, but they are not suitable for sedentary environments and do not facilitate lower limb circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The balance board incorporates a flexible base that dynamically adapts to user movements, allowing the board to tilt and rock in response to foot placements. This dynamic response enables the board to facilitate lower limb circulation and muscle activation while maintaining balance functionality, making it suitable for sedentary environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The board's flexibility parameter is enhanced through the use of a flexible base material that can deform and return to its original shape. This parameter change allows the board to provide resistance and encouragement for movement in multiple directions, promoting circulation while maintaining ease of use in office settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible base is added to the balance board, then lower limb circulation and muscle activation are promoted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance board uses a flexible base constructed from thin, flexible materials that can bend and deform to promote movement. This flexible shell approach enables circulation promotion without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving the desired health benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the board provides resistance motion, then muscle activation is increased, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance board is designed to automatically provide resistance and encouragement for movement through its flexible base and fulcrum mechanism. The board self-adjusts to user movements, providing appropriate resistance without requiring external control systems or complex operation procedures, thus maintaining ease of use while promoting muscle activation.
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
Enhances muscle activation and circulation in sedentary settings, promoting movement and preventing joint stiffness, improving recovery and circulation without distracting from daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic element, such as a nylon bungee, further laced through the linear plates provides a recoil effect and stops the sections from over-rotating, thereby providing balance.
Implementation Method 2
A compression element for urging together the plurality of linear ribs and for providing an urging force on each said rib to return to a stasis position about the fulcrum hinge when deflected.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic board is provided that encourages movement and muscle activation in sedentary environments. The board has a flexible planar surface that allows for resistance flexion about multiple spatial planes. The support board is formed of a plurality of linear ribs stacked together in parallel having a lateral central fulcrum hinge running through each linear rib for providing a rotation point for movement along a lateral center axis. A compression element for urging together the plurality of linear ribs and for providing an urging force on each said rib to return to a stasis position about the fulcrum hinge when deflected. Each rib can be formed of a structurally monolithic piece and can have an overall lateral profile similar to an arc segment.