Foldable Multi-Panel Surface for Stable Outdoor Yoga on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor yoga and meditation practices face challenges due to unstable natural surfaces and exposure to weather, lacking the stability and comfort provided by traditional flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A foldable surface composed of modular, shape-variable panels with a rigid base layer and resilient layer, connected by panel connectors, allowing for a stable and comfortable practice on uneven terrain while being portable and adaptable to different environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid flat surface is used for outdoor yoga, then stability and comfort are improved, but portability and adaptability to uneven terrain deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is divided into multiple rigid panels that can be individually adjusted and configured. Each panel maintains rigidity for stability while the segmented structure allows adaptation to uneven surfaces by adjusting panel angles and positions relative to each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface structure incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the panels to be reconfigured dynamically. The surface can be adjusted to different angles and positions to adapt to various terrain conditions while maintaining stability during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable modular surface is used, then portability and adaptability are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is divided into multiple modular panels that can be folded and stored compactly. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connectors, simplifying the overall structure while enabling portability and easy assembly/disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest within each other when folded, creating a compact storage configuration. The smaller panels can be stored within or alongside larger panels, reducing overall storage volume while maintaining structural integrity.
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 foldable surface provides a stable and comfortable support for yoga and meditation on uneven outdoor surfaces, protecting users from environmental elements and allowing for easy setup and storage, enhancing the practice experience while being versatile for various activities.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of surface panels includes a rigid base layer and a resilient layer that is positioned adjacent to the rigid base layer
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable surface for supporting a user relative to a support surface during an activity includes a plurality of surface panels that are movably coupled to one another with panel connectors. The plurality of surface panels include a first surface panel having a first shape, and a second surface panel having a second shape that is different than the first shape. Each of the surface panels has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The surface panels are movable between an open configuration wherein the first surfaces of the plurality of surface panels cooperate to form a substantially planar surface that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the support surface, and a stacked configuration wherein the surface panels are positioned substantially side-by-side with the first surface of one surface panel directly facing the first surface of an adjacent surface panel.