Ergonomic Exercise Disc with Segmented Recesses for Finger Dexterity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing finger strengthening devices do not effectively enhance finger strength and dexterity for musicians, particularly in accommodating different finger lengths and thumb movements, and lack ergonomic design for comfortable use.

Innovation Solution

The design includes separate disk bodies for the left and right hands with receptacles for fingertips and thumbtips, featuring elongated blind holes that accommodate at least the third phalanx of fingers and second phalanx of thumbs, arranged at an acute angle to mimic natural finger and thumb positions, made of elastic plastic, and marked arrows for correct positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional finger strengthening devices are used, then finger strength training is provided, but they do not accommodate different finger lengths and thumb movements effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different finger lengths and thumb movementsVSAvoidergonomic design for comfortable use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The disc is segmented into multiple recesses (first recess for index finger, second recess for middle finger, third recess for ring finger, fourth recess for little finger, and fifth recess for thumb) arranged in a circular pattern. Each recess is specifically shaped to accommodate different finger lengths and thumb movements, allowing independent optimization for each digit while maintaining overall device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each recess is designed with specific local characteristics: elongated blind holes accommodating at least the third phalanx of fingers or second phalanx of thumb, arranged at acute angles to mimic natural finger positions. The recesses have different orientations and dimensions tailored to the specific anatomy and movement requirements of each finger and thumb.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If fixed finger hole positions are used, then device structure is simplified, but finger dexterity training in the plane of the hand is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinger dexterity training capabilityVSAvoidrecess arrangement and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are arranged to enable dynamic finger movements in the plane of the hand. The acute angle arrangement of elongated blind holes allows fingers to perform abduction and adduction movements naturally, transforming static finger holes into dynamic training elements that move with the fingers through their range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device adds a circular arrangement dimension to traditional linear finger positioning. By arranging recesses in a circular pattern around the disc center, the invention enables fingers to train not only in straight lines but also in radial and tangential directions, providing multi-directional dexterity training in the plane of the hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If recesses are designed for precise finger accommodation, then finger positioning is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecess positioning accuracyVSAvoidaccommodation of varying hand sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are designed as elongated blind holes with specific dimensional parameters that can be adjusted to accommodate varying hand sizes. The elongated shape allows for parameter variation in length and orientation while maintaining the core function of finger accommodation, enabling the same device structure to adapt to different anatomical variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution provides effective finger and thumb strengthening and dexterity training by allowing abduction/adduction movements without sharp edges, accommodating various hand sizes, and ensuring comfortable use through ergonomic design.

Implementation Method 1

the disc bodies consist of an elastic plastic, in particular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3475937B1Exercise disc for strengthening the fingers
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 LIN YIMING
  • EP3475937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3475937B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an exercise disc for strengthening the fingers of the hand, comprising a disc body (6, 7) with an upper disc surface (8) on which the palm together with the fingers and the thumb can be placed, wherein receiving areas (1 - 5) for a region of the fingertips and a region of the thumb tip are recessed in the upper disc surface (8). According to the invention: one disc body (6) is provided for the left hand and one disc body (7) is provided for the right hand; two neighbouring receiving areas (1-1` - 5-5`) are provided for each said region of the finger tips and said region of the thumb tip; and the respective finger and the thumb can move between the two receiving areas by abduction/adduction. Preferably, the receiving areas (1-1` - 5-5`) are in the form of blind slotted holes.