Inflatable Balance Device with Adjustable Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balance training and aerobic stepper devices are inadequate for comprehensive muscle and core training, with limited exercise options and poor material utilization, primarily focusing on a single surface or side, and lacking in versatility.
Innovation Solution
A balance exercise device with a rigid base, a flexible air-filled bladder, and adjustable features such as handles, resistant band attachment points, and height adjustment, allowing for multiple exercise positions and difficulty levels by altering internal pressure, enabling diverse exercises including push-ups, resistance band workouts, and instability training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional raised platform or aerobic stepper is used, then the device structure is simple, but the exercise scope is limited and multiple muscles including balance and core training cannot be effectively engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple exercise functions into a single unit by integrating a raised platform for step aerobics with an unstable balance surface on top. The platform serves dual purposes: as a step surface for cardiovascular exercise and as a base for balance training when the unstable surface is placed upon it. This multi-functionality expands exercise scope without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate exercise devices (aerobic stepper and balance trainer) into one integrated unit. The stable platform and unstable balance surface are combined vertically, allowing users to perform both step aerobics and balance exercises with a single device, thereby improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If current balance training devices use multiple components (plastic, air springs, etc.) to create an unstable surface, then the unstable surface can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and material utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, inflatable bladder as the unstable surface instead of complex mechanical assemblies with multiple plastic components and air springs. The bladder is a single flexible element that can be inflated to create the desired unstable surface, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining the instability function. This approach also improves material utilization by using a single efficient component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aerobic step devices provide only a hard step surface, then the structure is simple, but core training functionality is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different locations of the device. The base platform maintains a hard, stable surface suitable for step aerobics, while the top surface features a flexible, inflatable bladder that provides an unstable surface for core and balance training. This local differentiation of surface properties enables diverse exercise capabilities without requiring the entire device structure to be complex.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current balance devices focus on convenient use of one surface or side, then the design is simple, but the scope of exercises is limited to step exercise only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to exercise variety by stacking two different exercise surfaces at different heights. The raised platform provides step aerobics capability at one level, while the unstable balance surface placed on top provides balance and core training at a higher level. This vertical arrangement enables multiple exercise types without requiring horizontal expansion or complex reconfiguration of surfaces.
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
Enhances the range of exercises that can be performed, improving core strength, balance, and coordination by providing a versatile, adjustable, and unstable workout surface that can be used in various positions and with different resistance levels, accommodating users of different weights and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible bladder creating an unstable balance exercise surface when filled with air
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the device to be used as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a plurality of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise for which the balance exercise device can be used.