Modular Core Exercise System With Interchangeable Instability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise systems for strengthening core muscles are limited in their adaptability to users with low fitness levels or those with injuries or impairments, as they require a certain minimum level of fitness and do not account for individuals with back, neck, or other physical limitations.
Innovation Solution
An exercise system featuring a modular design with interchangeable components that adjust the degree of instability and user interface, incorporating sensors to measure movements and a computing device to assess balance, allowing progressive difficulty adjustment and accommodating users with varying fitness levels and physical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional exercise equipment (sit-up benches, hyper back extension benches) is used, then core muscle strengthening is achieved, but the equipment requires a minimum fitness level and excludes users with injuries or impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the degree of instability through interchangeable components (stable base vs. unstable base, presence or absence of elements of instability). This allows the same equipment to adapt to different fitness levels and injury conditions, enabling users who would otherwise be excluded to perform core exercises safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the exercise interface by swapping components with different stability characteristics. Users can select between stable and unstable bases, and adjust the degree of instability to match their fitness level and injury status, making core exercises accessible to a broader population.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise-specific equipment (abdominal roller) is used, then targeted core muscle exercise is achieved, but the uses are limited and not versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a universal core exercise platform that can perform multiple exercises (planks, bridges, rollouts, etc.) through interchangeable components and accessories. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple exercise-specific devices while maintaining effectiveness for each exercise type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components (board, top element, bottom element, middle element, interchangeable instability elements) that can be configured in different ways to create various exercise setups, enabling versatility without compromising exercise effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stability exercise equipment is used, then exercise safety is maintained, but progressive difficulty adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed stability to dynamic stability adjustment through interchangeable components. Users can progress from stable to unstable configurations as their fitness improves, allowing progressive difficulty adjustment while maintaining safety through controlled transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows users to assemble different stability configurations by combining basic components with optional instability elements, enabling progressive difficulty adjustment without requiring an entirely different device for each level.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular interchangeable components are introduced, then adaptability to different fitness levels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that work together in multiple configurations. This universality reduces the perceived complexity by allowing the same components to serve multiple functions across different exercise setups.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise system is provided for enabling a user to perform therewith an exercise of balance, the system includes: a board having a surface for a user to stand thereon, the board including a plurality of sensors configured to measure movements of the board; and a bottom element having an interface with the ground. At least one of the top element and the board is interchangeably coupled, and the system includes at least one element of instability.