Compartmented Elastic Dome for Instability-Based Motor Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing proprioceptive training methods primarily focus on muscle training, neglecting the importance of stimulating the central nervous system to enhance balance and stability in various postural conditions.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a dome with internal compartments and varying material properties to modify ground reaction forces, targeting the central nervous system for neurological training, enhancing balance and stability through instability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional muscle-focused proprioceptive training methods are used, then muscle strength is improved, but central nervous system stimulation and balance enhancement are neglected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle strengthVSAvoidcentral nervous system stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The training device segments the traditional unified training approach into distinct functional components: unstable support surfaces for proprioceptive stimulation, resistance elements for muscle strengthening, and adjustable configurations for different exercise types. This allows simultaneous targeting of both muscle strength and central nervous system adaptation through coordinated use of different segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The training system integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides unstable support for balance training, resistance for strength training, and adjustable parameters for varying difficulty levels. This multi-functional design enables both muscle strength improvement and central nervous system stimulation within the same training apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If unstable training surfaces are used to stimulate proprioception, then balance and coordination are improved, but training device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance and coordinationVSAvoidtraining device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training device employs dynamic unstable surfaces that can adjust their stability characteristics during use. The support surfaces are designed to provide controlled instability that adapts to the user's movements, creating variable proprioceptive feedback without requiring complex mechanical stabilization systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows modification of training parameters such as surface instability level, support area, and resistance magnitude. These parameter changes enable progression from simple to complex training scenarios without fundamentally changing the device structure, maintaining simplicity while enhancing balance and coordination training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed training configurations are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different dynamic and postural conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidadaptation to different conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The training device is pre-configured with multiple adjustable components and interchangeable elements that allow quick adaptation to different training conditions. The preliminary setup includes various support surfaces, resistance levels, and positional configurations that can be selectively activated without complex reassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities, allowing modification of training parameters across different axes: vertical height adjustments, horizontal positioning, rotational orientations, and depth variations. This enables adaptation to diverse dynamic and postural conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 device effectively stimulates the central nervous system, improving balance, muscle strength, and joint mobility by adapting to different dynamic and postural conditions, applicable in sports, rehabilitation, and everyday activities.

Implementation Method 1

a dome (A) with a base side (1) intended to be supported on a support surface and with a concave side defining a lower recess (11), which is divided by a plurality of separation walls (13) into compartments (11) of predetermined dimensions and shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

varying material properties to modify ground reaction forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12576312B2Device for training human's motor skills and in particular the adaptation to instability, the strength and mobility

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 SP PLAST CREATING SRL

AI summary

A device that trains a person's motor skills, including the adaptation to instability, strength and mobility, includes a dome having preset characteristics of elastic deformability and a wall of preset thickness. One or more separating walls are arranged in an inner recess of the dome and form ribs that provide a support to the dome at its base, defining one or more compartments within the recess.