Elastic-Suspended Weight Exercise Apparatus for Joint Pain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses for musculoskeletal physical therapy and rehabilitation lack the ability to effectively engage stabilization muscles and reduce joint pain and swelling, while being portable, easy to assemble, and aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A rehabilitation apparatus featuring a fiberglass central bar with suspended weights secured by elastic bands, allowing motion in the x, y, and z axes, which requires users to recruit more stabilization muscles and reduces joint pain by creating chaotic, unpredictable motion during exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid exercise apparatuses are used, then structural stability is maintained, but stabilization muscles are not effectively engaged and joint pain is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using elastic bands instead of rigid connections to suspend weights. The elastic bands allow the weight members to move dynamically in multiple directions (x, y, z axes) during exercise, creating chaotic motion that engages stabilization muscles. This dynamic flexibility reduces joint pain and swelling while maintaining sufficient structural stability through the resilient material properties of the elastic bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different exercises are enabled, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single apparatus where weight members can be positioned at multiple locations along the central bar member. The elastic bands and weight slots enable the same basic structure to support various exercise types (curls, leg extensions, etc.) by simply repositioning the weight members, without requiring multiple specialized apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the weight system into separate, movable weight members that can be independently positioned along the central bar. Each weight member can be placed in different weight slots to adjust exercise parameters, allowing one apparatus to provide multiple exercise variations without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If portable and easy to assemble design is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic elastic connections that provide both portability and structural integrity. The elastic bands are resilient enough to allow easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining sufficient strength to support heavy weights during exercise. The central bar member with integrated weight slots provides a simple, portable structure that remains structurally sound under load.
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 apparatus enhances rehabilitation by increasing muscle strength and reducing joint pain and swelling through chaotic motion, while being portable, easy to assemble, and aesthetically pleasing, allowing for a variety of exercises like curls and leg extensions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic weight member comprising a circular elastic band and a weight through which the band is threaded; the circular elastic band having a resting diameter at least twice the diameter of the outer member; the elastic member slidably engaged with a weight slot
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus used for exercise and more specifically musculoskeletal physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. The exercise apparatus particularly, but not exclusively, uses a combination of weight, a structure adapted for weight training by a person, and a means to suspend the weight wherein the suspended weight is adapted to have motion in the x, y and z axis during an exercise movement that results in increased joint strength and decreased joint pain during and after physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.