Pivotable Foot Shell Bracket for Muscle Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footrest devices for muscle training require clumsy, heavy, and complex pivoting mechanisms for fixing the foot, which are difficult to handle and operate, and the existing strap-based fixation systems are hard to open and close.
Innovation Solution
A lockable, pivotable bracket with a pivot axis aligned parallel to the footrest's longitudinal axis, integrated into a compact storage unit attached to the inner side wall of the footrest, allowing for quick and easy foot fixation and removal, featuring a ratchet unit with locking teeth for adjustable pivoting range and a spring-biased mechanism for secure locking and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pivoting mechanism is used to fix the foot, then the foot can be securely fixed, but the device becomes clumsy, heavy, and complex in construction
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into separate functional elements: a bracket with pivot bearing, a ratchet unit with locking teeth, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity compared to integrated traditional pivoting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment and easy release of the foot. The pivot bearing enables smooth rotation while the ratchet mechanism provides dynamic locking at desired positions, combining security with ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a traditional pivoting mechanism is used to fix the foot, then the foot can be securely fixed, but the device becomes heavy and awkward to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy and complex components of traditional pivoting mechanisms are extracted and replaced with lighter alternatives. The pivot bearing is simplified, and the locking function is achieved through a compact ratchet unit rather than bulky mechanical joints, significantly reducing the weight of the moving fixing device.
3Reliability
If a strap-based fixation system is used, then the foot can be fixed, but the device is difficult to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism automatically locks when the bracket is pivoted into position, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. The release mechanism provides simple one-handed operation to unlock and return the bracket to its open position, making the device easy to operate without complex strap adjustments.
4Volume of moving object
If the fixing device is made compact, then space is saved and handling is improved, but the pivoting mechanism may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into compact components: the pivot bearing integrates with the bracket, the ratchet teeth are incorporated directly into the bracket structure, and the release mechanism combines locking and unlocking functions in a single compact assembly. This merging reduces overall volume while maintaining simplicity through functional integration.
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 solution enables quick, effective, and space-saving foot fixation and removal, reducing the weight and complexity of the fixing device while ensuring secure foot placement and easy operation, with minimal restriction to foot movement.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased mechanism for secure locking and easy release
Data Source
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AI summary
On a foot shell apparatus (100) of a muscle training device, comprising a foot shell (110) with a tread (111) and a lateral wall (112) delimiting the tread (111) at least partially, and a fixing unit (120) for fixing a human foot in the foot shell (110), a foot fixing unit that is easy to handle and has small dimensions and a low weight is created by designing the fixing unit as a lockably pivotable hoop (121), the pivot bearing (122) of which has a pivot axis (123) oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (113) of the foot shell (110) and is provided in a compact bearing element (124), which is rigidly connected to the tread (111) at least indirectly and which is fastened to an inner lateral wall (112) of the foot shell (110) close to the inside of the patient's foot and rigidly connected to the tread (111) by way of said inner lateral wall (112).