Exercise Apparatus Knee Pressure Mechanism for Spinal Mobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses fail to effectively target and mobilize the lower back and hip joints, lack ease of use, and are not suitable for fitness environments due to uncomfortable designs and limited movement freedom.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a supporting stand, force transmission element, handle element, and pressure-exerting element that allows movement from an anterolateral to a posterolateral position, exerting pressure on the knee area, enabling controlled and comfortable twisting motions for spinal and hip joint mobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hold-down device is used to stabilize the upper torso, then the apparatus can enable twisting motions for spinal mobilization, but the device becomes uncomfortable and unacceptable for fitness environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hold-down device entirely from the apparatus. Instead of constraining the upper torso, the device allows free movement and uses the user's own body weight and gravity to achieve stabilization during the twisting motion, thereby eliminating discomfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a mechanical device to force stabilization of the upper torso, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the upper body to move freely and using the lower body's movement against gravity to achieve the therapeutic twisting effect. The stabilization is achieved through the exercise mechanism itself rather than through external constraint.
2Ease of operation
If a lever is held with a single arm in a difficult position, then the apparatus can enable twisting motion, but sufficient force cannot be built up effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the difficult-to-grasp lever with handlebars that replicate the functional requirements but provide superior ergonomics. The handlebars can be gripped comfortably with both hands, allowing users to generate sufficient twisting force through natural arm and shoulder movements while maintaining proper form throughout the exercise range of motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the panel restricts knee movement to limited freedom, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the twist angle for spinal vertebrae is rather limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static, restricted panel mechanism with dynamic, adjustable components that adapt to the user's anatomy and exercise needs. The knee supports and angle adjustment mechanisms allow users to optimize the range of motion for their specific requirements, enabling greater spinal twist angles while maintaining structural simplicity through straightforward adjustment systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing exercise apparatuses engage the whole body, then cardio training is supported, but specific parts like lower back and hip joints cannot be targeted for stretching or mobility activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the force transmission mechanism to concentrate and direct forces specifically to the knee and lower back regions. Through strategically positioned knee supports and angled force application, the device creates localized therapeutic effects on the target areas (lower back and hip joints) while the user's entire body remains engaged in the exercise motion, thereby achieving both specificity and whole-body involvement without excessive 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
Facilitates effective stretching and mobilization of the lower back, hip joints, and spine, providing a comfortable and easy-to-use solution for both therapeutic and fitness applications, allowing users to perform chiropractic-like adjustments independently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force transmission element, which is associated with a handle element and a pressure exerting element
Implementation Method 2
the force transmission element is movable about a first pivot, wherein the first pivot is positioned in a ventral position relative to the body of a human user
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus (10) comprising a supporting stand (12) and at least one force transmission element (14), which is associated with a handle element (16) and a pressure exerting element (18), the apparatus being suitable to exert pressure onto the knee area of a human user and the apparatus allowing the movement of the pressure-exerting element from a first position, in which the pressure-exerting element is in an anterolateral position relative to the body of the user, to a second position of the pressure-exerting element, in which the pressure-exerting element is in an posterolateral position, while the pressure-exerting element exerts pressure onto the knee area of the human user. In another aspect, the invention encompasses an exercise apparatus comprising a supporting stand (12) and at least one force transmission element (14), which is associated with a handle element (16) and a pressure exerting element (18), in which the force transmission element is movable about a first pivot (24), wherein the first pivot is positioned in a ventral position relative of the body of a human user.