Hand Exercise Device With Variable Resistance Strings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hand exercise devices that lack variable resistance and precise finger flexion fail to provide measurable improvements in joint strength and pain reduction, and those with complex components discourage regular use due to disassembly and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A hand exercise device featuring a base with inclined strings of varying thickness, supported by a bridge and fasteners, allowing for adjustable tension and resistance, encouraging regular exercise with a user-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hand exercise devices include variable exercise resistance with multiple parts and components, then exercise resistance can be adjusted, but device complexity increases and requires disassembly for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the resistance mechanism into separate strings of different thicknesses that can be individually selected and replaced. Each string provides a specific resistance level, allowing users to segment the exercise routine into different intensity levels without complex assembly or disassembly of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of string thickness to provide variable resistance. Thinner strings offer less resistance while thicker strings provide more resistance, allowing exercise intensity adjustment through a simple physical parameter change rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hand exercise devices include many parts and components for variable resistance, then exercise can be customized, but ease of operation decreases due to disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is segmented into individual replaceable strings rather than a unified complex mechanism. Users can simply remove one string and insert another without disassembling the entire device, making customization as easy as changing a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The strings are designed as simple, inexpensive, replaceable components that can be easily swapped out. Rather than designing for permanent durability, the strings are intended to be replaced when worn or when users want to change resistance levels, simplifying the operation to a basic insert-remove action.
3Ease of manufacture
If hand exercise devices use compression surfaces like spheres, then exercise can be performed, but manufacturing precision and exercise effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on the compressibility of a sphere which varies with material properties and compression force, the patent uses string thickness as a precise controllable parameter. Each string thickness provides a known, consistent resistance level that can be manufactured to tight tolerances and provides predictable exercise resistance.
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 device effectively improves grip strength, hand function, and reduces joint pain by providing progressive resistance and motivating users to perform daily exercises, as demonstrated in a study with 20 subjects over four weeks, showing significant improvements in grip strength, function, and pain reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The strings can be of a material with sufficient elasticity. The elasticity of the strings facilitate the return of a string from a final position to an initial position, when a force is applied that moves the first and second strings from the initial position to a final position.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand exercise device comprising a base with a generally planar surface, and at least one string held at a substantial angle of inclination with respect to the planar surface of the base. The hand exercise device can be adapted to perform hand exercises that involve applying a pushing force to move the string such that the string is in contact with the planar surface of the base. The hand exercise device can be modified to include a plurality of strings of different thicknesses held at a substantial angle of inclination to facilitate variable exercise resistance. The hand exercise device can benefit patients by increasing grip strength, improving hand function, and/or alleviating joint pain.