Hip-Stretching Device With Inflatable Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stretching the hip flexors, such as manually bringing a knee towards the chest, may not provide consistent or intense enough stretching, particularly for individuals with varying pelvic widths, and lack a controlled mechanism for maintaining the stretch.
Innovation Solution
A hip-stretching device comprising a mat with inflatable bladders positioned in pockets under the hips, which, when inflated, elevate the hip area, providing a controlled and adjustable stretch, and additional straps to stabilize the knee and pelvis for enhanced stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stretching methods are used, then the stretching process is simple, but the stretching intensity and consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable bladder positioned under the hip area that can be inflated with air to apply controlled upward force. This pneumatic mechanism provides consistent, adjustable stretching intensity while maintaining operational simplicity through a pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching intensity is controlled by varying the inflation pressure of the bladder. By changing the physical parameter of air pressure, the device can adjust the force applied to the hip area, providing consistent and repeatable stretching at different intensity levels.
2Device complexity
If manual stretching methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the stretching intensity is not intense enough
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder uses pneumatic pressure to generate sufficient stretching force without requiring complex mechanical structures. The air pressure system provides the necessary force intensity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder applies upward force counteracting the downward force of gravity on the hip area. This counterbalancing mechanism enables intense stretching by opposing the natural gravitational pull, allowing the device to generate sufficient force without overly complex structures.
3Device complexity
If manual stretching methods are used, then the setup is simple, but the adaptability to different pelvic widths is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder can be adjusted to different inflation levels, making the stretching force dynamic and adaptable. This allows the same device setup to accommodate different pelvic widths by simply varying the pressure, rather than requiring multiple fixed-position devices.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the inflation pressure parameter, the device adapts to different anatomical variations. The same physical setup remains simple, but the adjustable pressure parameter provides versatility for different pelvic widths and stretching requirements.
4Device complexity
If manual stretching methods are used, then the control mechanism is absent, but maintaining consistent stretch is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic inflation system provides a controlled mechanism for maintaining consistent stretch. The bladder can be inflated to a specific pressure and maintained at that level, ensuring reliable and consistent stretching force throughout the exercise duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism allows adjustment of the inflation pressure parameter to achieve and maintain the desired stretch level. This provides both the control needed for consistency and the ability to adjust for different individual requirements.
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 offers a consistent and adjustable method for stretching hip flexors, accommodating different pelvic widths and allowing for controlled intensity, thereby effectively stretching the hip flexors through a combination of bladder inflation and strap positioning.
Implementation Method 1
inflation of the inflatable bladder imparts a force to the hip area of the subject to elevate the hip area providing a hip flexor stretch to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A hip-stretching device includes a mat having an upper surface. The mat is configured for placement on a support surface to support a back of a subject lying in a supine position on the upper surface of the mat. The hip-stretching device includes first and second pockets associated with the mat. The first and second pockets each have an opening configured to removably receive an inflatable bladder for selectively placing the inflatable bladder in one of the first and second pockets. The first and second pockets each position an inflatable bladder received therein under a hip area of the subject when the subject is lying in the supine position on the upper surface of the mat. Inflation of the inflatable bladder imparts a force to the hip area of the subject to elevate the hip area to provide a hip flexor stretch to the subject.