Multi-functional Exercise Device with Nested Glove and Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exercise devices are bulky, expensive, and inadequate for specifically targeting hand and finger muscle strengthening and flexibility, often leading to repetitive strain injuries from overuse of technology and lack of awareness about the adverse impacts on hand and finger muscles.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional exercise device comprising a first and second band unit connected via a central hub, with adjustable tension resistance and a wrist band for stability, incorporating a miniature digital counter and stretch sensor to track exercise intensity and provide feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional exercise devices are used for hand and finger strengthening, then muscle strengthening is achieved, but the devices are bulky and cumbersome to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand and finger muscle strengthVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise device is nested within a glove structure, with elastic bands integrated into the fingers and手掌 of the glove. This allows the exercise equipment to be worn close to the body and stored compactly when not in use, eliminating the bulkiness of conventional devices while maintaining effectiveness for hand and finger strengthening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The glove-based exercise device serves multiple functions: it provides resistance training for different finger groups simultaneously, acts as a wearable storage solution, and can be used for various hand exercises without requiring separate equipment for each exercise type, thereby reducing the overall volume needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional exercise devices are used for hand training, then muscle strengthening is achieved, but the devices are expensive and complex to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand and finger muscle strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise device divides resistance training into separate elastic bands for different finger groups (thumb and index finger, middle and ring finger, little finger), allowing independent adjustment and assembly of each band into the glove pockets, simplifying both assembly and customization while maintaining comprehensive hand training capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The glove structure itself serves as the mounting mechanism for the elastic bands, with pockets and loops that automatically hold the bands in place during assembly and use, eliminating the need for complex assembly tools or procedures and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If general arm and wrist exercises are performed, then overall arm strength is improved, but specific hand and finger muscle issues are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm and wrist strengthVSAvoidtargeting specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise device applies resistance locally at each finger and thumb through individually targeted elastic bands, allowing specific hand and finger muscles to be strengthened while maintaining overall arm engagement, thereby addressing both general arm strength and specific hand muscle needs simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows dynamic adjustment of resistance levels by selecting different elastic bands for different finger groups and exercise intensities, enabling adaptation to various training stages and specific hand muscle requirements while maintaining comprehensive arm and wrist engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 strengthens and stretches fingers and hands by varying resistance levels based on band color and user speed, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for hand and finger muscle training while monitoring exercise performance.

Implementation Method 1

elastic bands which are used for strengthening the skeletal muscles and tendons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one miniature digital counter and at least one stretch sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10702742B2Multi-functional exercise device

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 SHARMA SHESHADRI

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a multi-functional exercise device for improving flexibility, range of motion and muscle strength of the user's hands. The exercise device comprising a first band unit comprising a plurality of first spokes, plurality of first spokes connected diametrically opposite to second band unit comprising plurality of second spokes via a central hub, each first spoke provides a means for connecting a first band to central hub and each second spoke provides a means for connecting a second band to the central hub, and a wrist band comprising elongated bands secured to central hub, wrist band comprising an opening configured to wrap around wrist for improved stability and additional base support when both palms are stretched, the central hub comprising a miniature digital counter and a miniature stretch sensor, the miniature stretch sensor electrically coupled to the miniature digital counter.