Hands-Free Progressive Stretching Device With Visual Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg stretching devices are bulky, expensive, and lack visual feedback, making them difficult to transport and use without assistance, and they do not allow for adjustable stretching forces tailored to individual needs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hands-free stretching device with pivotally connected back and leg rests, leg lifting straps, and force monitors providing visual feedback to adjust stretching forces, allowing users to incrementally tailor the stretch force to their specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional leg stretching devices are used, then stretching function is provided, but the device becomes bulky and hard to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching device is divided into separate modular components including a backrest, leg rests, and stretching mechanisms that can be disassembled and stored compactly. The leg rests can be positioned independently and the entire device can be folded or disconfigured for easy transport and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and movable components including pivotally connected leg rests that can be positioned at different angles, adjustable stretching straps, and movable force monitor components. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different user needs while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If conventional stretching devices are used, then stretching is performed, but no visual feedback is provided for force adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
Force monitors with visual display components are integrated into the stretching device to provide real-time feedback to the user about the stretching force being applied. This allows the user to adjust the stretching intensity appropriately without requiring assistance from another individual, while the device maintains precise control over the stretching parameters.
3Ease of operation
If conventional devices require assistance from another individual, then stretching can be performed, but ease of independent use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching device is designed with automated force monitoring and adjustable mechanisms that allow the user to independently control and monitor their own stretching. The force monitors provide automatic feedback without requiring manual adjustment or assistance from another person, simplifying the operation while maintaining effective stretching.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stretching force is applied, then stretching is performed, but adaptability to individual needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable stretching mechanisms with variable force application capabilities. The stretching straps and leg rests can be positioned and adjusted to accommodate different user needs, while the force monitors allow for real-time adjustment of stretching intensity. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical components rather than complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device is disclosed to enable a user to stretch the lower limbs, lower back, hamstrings, gluteal tendons and gluteal fasciae for pain relief. The stretching device includes a padded body rest having back and leg rest sections hingedly connected together and rotatable from an unfolded configuration to a compact folded configuration lying face-to-face. First and second pairs of leg lifting straps are connected to one another by respective cam jam buckles so as to extend between the body rest and cuffs that surround the user's ankles and feet. A pulling force applied to each leg lifting strap causes the user's legs to be raised off the body rest from a horizontal flat position to a vertical upstanding position. Force monitors are located between the pairs of the leg lifting straps and the user's legs to provide a visual indication of the pulling force.