Exercise Device Seat Mediator Reduces Knee Joint Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise methods and devices for strengthening thigh and hip muscles often damage knee and ankle joints due to direct loading, making them unsuitable for individuals with weak joints, such as the elderly or obese, and limit exercise efficiency due to restricted hip motion range.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a seat that supports the thigh and hip of one leg while the other leg is placed on a leg pad, allowing the exercising leg to move backward and enabling hip and knee joint motions, thereby reducing joint stress and enhancing muscle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing exercise methods and devices are used to strengthen thigh and hip muscles, then muscle strengthening effect is improved, but knee and ankle joints are damaged due to direct loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized seat as an intermediary support structure that contacts and supports the thigh and hip of the non-exercising leg. This mediator transfers the load away from the knee and ankle joints, allowing the exercising leg to move through a larger range of motion without compromising joint integrity. The seat acts as a buffer between the user's body weight and the vulnerable joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise device segments the support function by separating the non-exercising leg support (via the specialized seat) from the exercising leg support (via the leg pad). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each leg's positioning and loading, enabling the non-exercising leg to be fully supported while the exercising leg performs the strengthening motion with reduced joint stress.
2Productivity
If traditional exercise devices are used, then simplicity of device structure is maintained, but hip motion range is restricted limiting exercise efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the hip motion range by allowing movement in multiple dimensions. The exercising leg can move backward, upward, and sideways simultaneously, creating a three-dimensional exercise path rather than being confined to a single plane. This dimensional expansion significantly increases exercise efficiency without adding complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the seat and leg pad can be independently adjusted to accommodate different user anatomies and exercise requirements. The arm connecting the seat to the frame can rotate and adjust its position, allowing the support structure to adapt dynamically during exercise rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for exercising upper leg portions and hips which includes a frame, an arm pivotably connected to the frame, and a leg pad pivotably connected to the arm and configured to contact the user's leg during use. The frame having an arm strut and a seat strut. The seat strut having a seat location fixing unit defined by a seat location fixing rod and a seat location fixing place. The seat location fixing place is connected to the frame having laterally spaced apart vertical holes therein for insertion of the seat location fixing rod which attaches to an underside of the seat and is configured as a support post between the seat and the holes within the seat location fixing place. The holes are configured for the user to locate said seat location fixing rod at varying distances and locations from the arm strut.