Hinged Arm Muscle Exercise Device with Segmented Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices for pregnant and post-partum women are often complex, uncomfortable, and ineffective in providing clear resistance settings, limiting their ability to effectively condition pelvic and other muscle groups for birthing and bladder control.
Innovation Solution
A muscle exercise apparatus with a pair of symmetric arms connected by a hinge, featuring a removable resistance element and adjustable resistance setting, designed for easy insertion and use, allowing for customizable resistance levels and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If exercise devices are designed with multiple parts and mechanical components to provide resistance, then resistance functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into separate components: a housing, a resistance element that can be independently inserted and removed, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the resistance functionality to be provided by a simple, replaceable element rather than a complex integrated mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining resistance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to accommodate multiple different resistance elements that can be interchangeably inserted. This universal design allows a single device structure to provide multiple resistance levels and types, eliminating the need for complex variable resistance mechanisms and reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise devices use asymmetric configuration to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates asymmetric features strategically: the housing has an asymmetric opening for insertion, and the resistance element has asymmetric engagement features that accommodate anatomical variations. However, the overall external shape and bulk remain symmetric to ensure comfort during use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and comfort.
3Device complexity
If exercise devices are designed with fixed resistance settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static fixed-resistance design to a dynamic system where resistance elements can be exchanged. The housing includes engagement features that allow quick insertion and removal of different resistance elements, enabling the device to adapt to different user needs and exercise phases without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing resistance through mechanical adjustments, the device changes the resistance parameter by exchanging physical elements. Different resistance elements with varying material properties, densities, or geometries are inserted into the housing, providing multiple resistance levels while keeping the housing structure simple and uncomplicated.
4Device complexity
If exercise devices lack clear resistance indicators, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different resistance elements are provided with color coding or visual indicators that immediately communicate their resistance level to the user. This simple visual system allows users to select the appropriate resistance without requiring complex displays, gauges, or electronic indicators, maintaining device simplicity while providing precise resistance information.
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 strengthens pelvic and other muscle groups, improving posture, preventing lower back issues, and enhancing bladder control, with adjustable resistance enabling progressive muscle development and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element configured to resist movement of the arms toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a muscle exercise device includes a first arm, and a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, and the second arm and first arm are movable to cooperatively define a recess. The muscle exercise device also includes a resistance element configured to reside in the recess and be compressed between the arms.