Inflatable Plyometric Box with Drop Stitch Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plyometric boxes pose a high risk of injury due to their rigid edges and are cumbersome to store and transport, limiting their use to gym settings due to size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable plyometric box utilizing drop stitch technology to provide rigidity when inflated, combined with a stabilizing member for enhanced stability, allowing for adjustable height and ease of transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid plyometric boxes are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but injury risk increases due to hard edges and lack of cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inflatable members with drop stitch construction that create a flexible yet rigid shell structure. When inflated, these members form a rigid box structure capable of supporting body weight during plyometric exercises, while the inflatable nature provides cushioning and reduces injury risk from hard edges. The flexible membrane structure allows the box to be both strong and safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the plyometric box from rigid solid to inflatable structure. By adjusting inflation pressure, the box transitions between a deflated storage state and an inflated rigid state capable of supporting exercises. This parameter change allows the box to provide both structural strength during use and reduced injury risk through the inflatable cushioning effect.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional large and heavy plyometric boxes are used, then structural stability is improved, but portability and ease of transportation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the plyometric box from a static rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable structure. The box can be easily transported in its deflated state and then dynamically inflated at the exercise location to achieve the required structural stability. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between portability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation to create structural stability. Air pressure within the inflatable members provides the rigidity and stability needed for plyometric exercises, replacing the need for heavy solid materials. This allows the box to be lightweight and portable when deflated while maintaining structural integrity when inflated.
3Strength
If traditional solid plyometric boxes are used, then rigidity for supporting body weight is improved, but storage space requirements and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by allowing the inflatable plyometric box to be collapsed into a compact form for storage and transportation. The deflated box can be stored in a small bag or container, dramatically reducing the volume required for storage and transport while maintaining full functionality when inflated for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure of the inflatable box allows it to transition between a large rigid form during use and a compact flexible form for storage. The thin film construction minimizes storage volume while providing sufficient strength and rigidity when inflated to support body weight during exercises.
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 inflatable design reduces injury risk by providing a softer landing surface and improves portability, enabling plyometric exercises to be performed outside of traditional gym settings.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable member adapted to be inflated to a pressure... When the inflatable member is inflated to the pressure, the inflatable member is substantially rigid
Implementation Method 2
the inflatable member is substantially rigid to support a user landing on the upper surface of the inflatable member
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable plyometric box having a first inflatable member adapted to be inflated to a pressure, a second inflatable member on top of the first inflatable member and adapted to be inflated to a pressure, and a connecting member connected to the first inflatable member and the second inflatable member which secures the first inflatable member to the second inflatable member. The first and second inflatable members incorporate drop stitch technology which provides substantial rigidity to first and second inflatable members when the first and second inflatable members are inflated to the pressures. Thus the inflatable plyometric box is substantially rigid to support a user landing on the top of the inflatable plyometric box. The inflatable plyometric box may include a stabilizing member which may be connected to the bottom of the inflatable plyometric box, wherein the stabilizing member is adapted to increase the stability of the inflatable plyometric box.