Height-Adjustable Seal Frame for DAP Exercise Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Differential Air Pressure (DAP) systems for unweighting in exercise and rehabilitation are cumbersome, expensive, and pose safety risks due to high forces and limited user adjustment capabilities, particularly in terms of height modification and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A floating seal frame structure with vertical lifts and tensile restraints that allows for height adjustment during use, providing a secure and comfortable unweighting experience by distributing pneumatic forces effectively and enabling manual disconnection in case of power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional DAP systems use fixed seal frames, then structural stability is maintained, but user adaptability and comfort are reduced due to inability to adjust for different body types and heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidseal frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal frame transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The patent implements height adjustment mechanisms that allow the seal frame to move vertically along the enclosure, enabling adaptation to different user heights and body types while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal frame is divided into adjustable segments or components that can be repositioned independently. The adjustment mechanism includes separate elements such as movable seals, adjustable support structures, and modular components that work together to provide height customization without requiring complete frame replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If DAP systems apply high pneumatic forces for effective unweighting, then unweighting performance is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential user entrapment and inability to exit during power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunweighting effectivenessVSAvoiduser safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates emergency release mechanisms that allow users to self-rescue in case of power loss or entrapment. The manual override features enable users to independently activate seal release or frame adjustment mechanisms without external assistance, ensuring safety while maintaining normal high-force unweighting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements safety features that prepare for potential emergencies before they occur. Emergency release mechanisms, manual overrides, and fail-safe designs are built into the system architecture to cushion against the harmful effects of power loss or user entrapment, allowing the system to operate at high forces with reduced safety risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional systems use complex adjustment mechanisms, then precise height control is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to difficulty in manual adjustment and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight control precisionVSAvoidadjustment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with simpler control systems. Electronic motors, pneumatic actuators, or computer-controlled mechanisms substitute for manual cranks, levers, and precision mechanical linkages, maintaining height control precision while significantly improving ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces and automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances user safety and comfort by allowing precise height adjustments and easy exit from the system, reducing the risk of injury and improving the natural gait and movement freedom during exercise.

Implementation Method 1

air pressure within the inflatable enclosure applies upward force on the top portion and unweighting force on the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the first and second tensile restraints attached to the carriage connectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20230109901A1Height-Adjustable Seal Frame Structure for DAP Exercise System

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 BOOST TREADMILLS LLC

AI summary

A height-adjustable seal frame structure for a DAP exercise system has a seal frame, opposing lateral vertical lifts, and opposing lateral tensile restraints. The seal frame defines opposing lateral side restraint connectors and can be attached to an inflatable enclosure top portion about a user port. The vertical lifts can be attached at lateral sides of the system and a longitudinal position proximate the user port for vertically driving a carriage to adjust height. The first end each tensile restraint can securely attach to a lift carriage connector and the second end can securely attach to the corresponding restraint connector at a restraint length therebetween. In use, the seal frame can be retained in a floating arrangement forced upward solely by the enclosure top portion and restrained downward against the upward force at a seal frame height by the tensile restraints. Quick disconnects can permit manual seal frame release.