Folding Exercise Mat With Hinged Segments and Structural Backing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a portable exercise solution that allows individuals to perform exercise routines without large or heavy equipment, especially for those leading a mobile lifestyle who often lack access to exercise facilities.

Innovation Solution

A folding exercise mat composed of hingedly attached portions that stack and fold into a compact configuration, featuring a center and side portions with resilient materials and structural backing, a strap for secure folding, and a handle for easy transport, designed to support human weight and accommodate various exercise positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If exercise equipment is made portable and foldable, then ease of transport is improved, but structural integrity and support capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise mat is divided into multiple hinged sections that can fold independently, allowing the mat to be collapsed into a compact configuration for easy transport while maintaining the overall structural integrity when expanded for use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mat combines resilient cushioning material with rigid structural backing sections to create a composite structure that provides both comfort and structural strength, enabling the mat to support user weight while remaining portable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the mat is made compact for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but stability during exercise deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mat transitions between a compact folded state for transport and a stable expanded state for exercise, with hinged connections that maintain structural stability when the mat is fully extended and locked into position during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the mat sections are cushioned for comfort, then user comfort is improved, but weight of the mat increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidweight of mat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mat applies cushioning material selectively in areas where user contact occurs, while maintaining lighter construction in structural backing sections, optimizing the balance between comfort and portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 mat provides a portable, versatile, and supportive exercise surface that can be easily transported and set up, accommodating various exercises while maintaining structural integrity and comfort, suitable for individuals of average height and weight.

Implementation Method 1

The mat sections may be cushioned or are slightly deformable. The mat sections may be made of resilient material providing support and comfort to an individual lying thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11878209B1Folding exercise mat

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 CASSELS PETER

AI summary

An exercise mat is fashioned as a tripartite mat assembly having a padded upper surface secured to a stiff lower surface. The mat has a handle disposed on a one (1) of the mat assembly sections and also includes a securing fastener capable of securing the exercise mat in a closed configuration.