Full-Body Stretching Strap With Single-Clamp Tension Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free stretching devices are cumbersome, require multiple clips for application and adjustment, lack padding for comfort, and have unreliable clamping mechanisms, leading to user fatigue, discomfort, and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free stretching device with a single clamp mechanism, padded strap, and multiple adjustment methods including fine tension adjustment via a spring-loaded clamp, coarse adjustment via foot placement, and dynamic stretching using gravity or weight machines, allowing for easy application and safe, adjustable stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clips and straps are used for hands-free stretching, then stretching coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a proximal component with clamp and padding for upper body attachment, and a distal component with slots and grommets for lower body attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall application process compared to requiring multiple separate clips and straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous strap serves multiple functions: it provides the structural backbone for the device, acts as the tension transmission medium, and integrates both proximal and distal attachment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive stretching coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clips and adjustment mechanisms are used, then stretching adjustability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the spring-loaded clamp mechanism that allows tension modification during stretching, and the distal component with multiple slots that enables position adjustment. These dynamic features provide adaptability without requiring multiple static adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If padding is added to shoulder straps, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Padding is applied selectively only to the proximal component where it is most needed for user comfort during shoulder and upper body stretching. This localized application provides comfort improvement while minimizing the impact on overall manufacturing complexity compared to padding the entire device.
4Reliability
If strong clamping mechanism is used, then safety and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and device complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp mechanism is designed to automatically engage and maintain secure clamping through its own mechanical action. The spring provides continuous contact force that maintains reliable attachment without requiring the user to manually tighten or adjust the clamp during stretching, thus achieving both safety and ease of operation.
5Reliability
If strap material is made durable and strong, then safety and reliability are improved, but ease of manufacture and material cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is constructed from composite materials that combine durability and strength with manufacturability. The proximal and distal components use different material properties optimized for their specific functions, with the overall design allowing for flexible manufacturing while maintaining the required durability and safety standards.
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 comfortable, easy-to-use, and safe stretching across the body with minimal user effort, offering four levels of tension adjustment and versatile positioning for static and dynamic stretching.
Implementation Method 1
fine tension adjustment via a spring-loaded clamp
Implementation Method 2
Fixation to stationary object with the Distal Slotted Component leveraging gravity for neck, shoulder, torso, back and lower extremity stretching
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise stretching device includes: a proximal loop component having a strap configured to form a loop and a handle carried by the strap; a distal slotted component having a plurality of slots situated along its length, the strap being disposed in one of the plurality of slots; and a distal coupling component coupled to the strap and configured to connect the device to an external structure.