Extremity Resistance Platform With Multi-Plane Band Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resistance systems for extremities are limited in providing adjustable resistance, rotation and flexing resistance, and are not compact or easily reconfigurable for various exercises during physical therapy and rehabilitation, particularly for injuries to the foot/ankle and hand/wrist.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a base, platform, and joint allowing rotation in all three planes, coupled with adjustable elastic resistance bands that can be secured to a surface using the operator's weight, and featuring a ball-and-socket joint for five degrees of freedom, enabling adjustable resistance and reconfiguration for different exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate resistance systems are used to cover all necessary exercises, then exercise coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is designed with a universal base unit that can support multiple types of exercises through adjustable components. The system includes interchangeable resistance elements (bands, tubes, springs) and adjustable attachment points that allow a single device to perform the function of multiple separate exercise systems, covering lower extremity, upper extremity, and core exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including a base unit, multiple resistance elements, adjustable straps, and interchangeable attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows users to configure the system for different exercises by rearranging components rather than using multiple complete systems.
2Reliability
If resistance bands are secured to fixed posts, then stability is improved, but portability and setup flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed to be self-stabilizing through its weight and structural design, eliminating the need for external fixed posts or wall mounts. The base can support the resistance forces generated during exercises without requiring attachment to external structures, allowing the system to be set up anywhere on a flat surface.
3Reliability
If resistance systems are designed for specific exercises, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to other exercises is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system features dynamically adjustable components including movable attachment points on the base, adjustable strap lengths, and interchangeable resistance elements. These dynamic features allow the resistance vector, magnitude, and direction to be adjusted for different exercises, enabling the same base unit to effectively support both lower extremity and upper extremity exercises.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system includes all necessary components for every exercise, then completeness is improved, but compactness and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance elements (bands, tubes, springs) are designed to nest within each other or within the base unit when not in use. The adjustable straps can be coiled and stored within the base structure. This nesting approach allows all necessary components for complete exercise coverage to be contained within a compact footprint.
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
Provides adjustable resistance for strengthening tendons, muscles, and joints through a compact and versatile system that can be rapidly reconfigured to meet the needs of specific exercises and limitations, enhancing physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic resistance bands each having a first end configured to be selectively engaged with any of a plurality of platform connection points of the platform, and a second end configured to be selectively engaged with any of a plurality of base connection points of the base
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing resistance-based extremity strengthening. The apparatus includes a base configured to be placed on or secured to a floor or other surface; a platform upon which a user is configured to place an extremity of their body to engage the apparatus; and a joint coupling the base and the platform, the joint having a fulcrum point and configured to allow for the platform to rotate about the fulcrum point. The apparatus further includes a plurality of elastic resistance bands each configured to be selectively engaged with any of a plurality of platform connection points of the platform and any of a plurality of base connection points of the base. The user is configured use their extremity to rotate the platform about the fulcrum point of the joint, and the rotation is resisted by the plurality of elastic resistance band.