Flexible Sporting Apparatus with Distributed Masses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sporting apparatuses are rigid and non-deformable, limiting the variety of exercises that can be performed and providing a stable load, which is not suitable for training contexts requiring unpredictable or variable loads.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sporting apparatus with a deformable body and distributed masses, allowing for unpredictable motor interferences and multiple configurations in shape and weight, enabling a wide range of exercises and modular connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid and non-deformable bodies are used for sporting apparatus, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the variety of exercises that can be performed is limited and the apparatus is dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid bodies with flexible deformable bodies made of elastic materials. The flexible body can be deformed during exercise movements, allowing a greater variety of exercises to be performed while reducing dangerousness through its ability to flex and absorb impact, eliminating the need for complex safety mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a flexible body that changes shape during use rather than maintaining a fixed rigid structure. The body deforms dynamically during exercise movements, enabling adaptability to different exercises while inherently providing safety through its flexible nature, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and dangerousness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid bodies with fixed geometry are used, then the centroid position is fixed and load is stable, but the ability to generate unpredictable motor interferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible body dynamically changes shape during exercise movements, causing the centroid position to shift unpredictably. This dynamic behavior generates variable motor interferences that challenge the user's neuromuscular system, while the body maintains sufficient structural stability to function as a reliable training tool, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible deformable body is used, then the variety of exercises increases and neuromuscular stimulation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple flexible body made of elastic material without complex internal mechanisms, compartments, or electronic components. The flexibility itself provides the adaptability for various exercises while keeping the structure simple and easy to manufacture, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves versatility through parameter changes by varying the weight, dimensions, and material properties of the flexible body rather than through complex structural design. This allows the same simple flexible structure to accommodate different exercises and user needs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distributed masses are incorporated in the flexible body, then variable and progressive load is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates distributed masses by varying the density or adding weight elements at different positions within the flexible body. This creates variable and progressive mass characteristics that adapt to different exercise intensities and user levels, while the overall simple construction maintains ease of manufacture through conventional techniques.
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 flexible apparatus allows for a greater variety of exercises, improved neuromuscular stimulation, and safe use by providing a variable and progressive load, suitable for different users and exercises.
Implementation Method 1
This capacity of the body to flex during use, both through gravity and through its inertia, causes continuous variations of position of the centroid.
Implementation Method 2
This capacity of the body to flex during use, both through gravity and through its inertia, causes continuous variations of position of the centroid.
Data Source
Figure 1~2F
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible sporting apparatus (1) comprising an elongated and flexible body (2), which can be gripped, connected to the body of a person or connected to another identical or different apparatus, wherein said body (2) comprises at least one flexible connection element (10, 1 1, 12) extending between a first end (3) and a second end (4) of the body (2), at least for a part of its length, a plurality of masses (20, 21, 22), distributed between the first end (3) and the second end (4) of the body (2), joined integrally to said at least one connection element (10, 1 1, 12) so that their position, in the direction of the length of the body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; and optionally a containment element (30) that surrounds said at least on connection element (10, 1 1, 12) and said masses (20, 21, 22).