Exercise Pad With Central Well for Hip Thrust Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise pads do not effectively reduce localized pressure on users during hip thrust lifts with barbells, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
An exercise pad device featuring a pad portion with a well or hole configuration, coupled with a protective layer and cushioning foam, designed to distribute pressure and reduce discomfort by using multiple layers of closed cell foam and a rubber sheet, which can be enclosed by a durable cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional solid exercise pad is used, then the pad provides uniform support, but it creates localized high pressure on the user's hips causing discomfort and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The pad incorporates a well or cavity in the center portion to create a pressure gradient, making the center softer (lower pressure) and the edges firmer (higher pressure). This local differentiation of material properties solves the contradiction by providing both comfort in the contact area and sufficient support at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad is divided into distinct regions: a center well area and surrounding foam layers. This segmentation allows different portions of the pad to serve different functions - the well reduces localized pressure while the surrounding foam provides structural support and stability.
2Stress or pressure
If the pad uses a well or hole configuration to reduce pressure, then user comfort improves, but the structural integrity and support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pad combines multiple foam layers with different densities and the well configuration to achieve both pressure distribution and structural integrity. The composite structure allows the well to reduce pressure while the surrounding multi-layer foam provides the necessary strength and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The well is configured with curved surfaces rather than sharp edges, distributing stress more evenly and preventing stress concentration that would compromise structural integrity. The curved geometry maintains strength while achieving pressure relief.
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 exercise pad device effectively reduces localized pressure on users during hip thrust lifts by distributing the weight of the barbell, enhancing comfort and safety through a pressure gradient that alleviates abdominal pressure and increases hip pressure, thereby improving the exercise experience.
Implementation Method 1
multiple layers of closed cell foam
Implementation Method 2
distribute pressure and reduce discomfort by using multiple layers of closed cell foam
Implementation Method 3
a rubber sheet
Implementation Method 4
protective layer coupled to the pad portion
Data Source
AI summary
Specific implementations of an exercise pad device may include: a pad portion including a well, wherein the well may be substantially centered in the pad portion, a protective layer coupled to the pad portion, and a cover coupled to and enclosing the pad portion and the protective layer, wherein the well may be configured to reduce the localized pressure felt by a user when a barbell is placed over the pad while the user performs a hip thrust lift using the barbell.