Elastic Training Device with Polyurethane Ankle Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training devices for athletic skill development often cause injuries to the ankle region due to unprotected ends or blunt surfaces, and they are not cost-effective or environmentally friendly, lacking the ability to dynamically adjust between stances and provide adequate cushioning.
Innovation Solution
A modular training device with a hollow tubular member and elastic bands that securely attach around the ankle, using environmentally friendly materials and polyurethane cushioning to protect the tarsal region, allowing for adjustable stances and mass production at reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If training devices use metal rods or blunt ends for structural support, then device strength and stability are improved, but the ankle region becomes vulnerable to injury from repeated contact with unprotected ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a polyurethane foam layer at the distal end of the hollow tubular member, which contacts the ankle region during training exercises. This cushioning layer is integrated into the device structure before use, preventing direct contact between the user's ankle and the hard tubular surface, thereby eliminating the injury risk while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines a hollow tubular member (likely rigid material for structural support) with a polyurethane foam cushioning layer (softer material for protection). This composite construction allows the device to maintain its strength and stability functions while the softer foam layer protects the ankle region from injury during repeated contact.
2Ease of manufacture
If training devices use fixed structural designs, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to dynamically adjust between wider and narrower stances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an elastic member that connects the proximal end of the hollow tubular member to a base, allowing the tubular member to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This elasticity enables the device to adapt to different stance widths and movements during training exercises, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
3Reliability
If training devices are designed with protective features and adjustable components, then user safety and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polyurethane foam cushioning layer is integrated directly into the distal end of the hollow tubular member during manufacturing, rather than being a separate adjustable component. This integration approach provides reliable ankle protection while avoiding the need for complex assembly mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction of the hollow tubular member with integrated polyurethane foam allows both protective and structural functions to be achieved in a single manufactured component. This reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps compared to using separate protective covers and structural elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 protects the ankle region during training, reduces the risk of repetitive motion injuries, and offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for athletic skill development by facilitating proper foot alignment and dynamic stance adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic device having first and second end portions each terminating with a fastening member; first and second bands, each capable of being wrapped circumferentially around an extremity of a user
Implementation Method 2
have an increased radius with respect to a middle section between the ends; wherein the ends of the tubular member protect a tarsal region of a user's foot
Data Source
AI summary
This technology relates generally methods of making and using systems designed to enhance athletic skill development and, more particularly, to methods of maintaining proper foot alignment for certain activities that require agility and consistency. There exists a need for a training device that not only allows a user to dynamically transition back-and-forth between a wider and narrower stance, but also protects the lower extremities of the user when in a narrower stance. In particular, during the process of bringing their legs together, the user's foot and ankle could be injured if the training device is not designed in such a way to ergonomically accommodate the ankle and/or have appropriate cushioning features to insulate the foot and/or ankle from full impact against blunt or sharp surfaces.