Modular Exercise Roller with Hook and Loop Fasteners

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional foam rollers are limited in length and diameter, making them unsuitable for various applications, requiring separate rollers for different uses and dimensions, which is inconvenient for users who need versatility.

Innovation Solution

A modular foam roller design comprising tubular or rod-like subunits that can be connected end-to-end using attachment means like hook and loop fasteners, allowing for adjustable length and diameter configurations, enabling users to customize the roller for specific needs and enhance portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional foam rollers are made as single unitary pieces of fixed length (300 mm or 900 mm), then manufacturing is simple and structure is stable, but versatility is poor and users need multiple rollers for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller length adaptabilityVSAvoidroller structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foam roller is divided into multiple detachable subunits that can be connected end-to-end. Each subunit has attachment means (such as hooks, loops, or interlocking features) that enable users to connect or separate them easily. This segmentation allows the roller to be configured in different lengths (e.g., one subunit for short roller use, two or more subunits connected for long roller use), providing versatility while keeping each individual subunit simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If foam rollers are provided in multiple fixed lengths and diameters, then each specific configuration is optimized for its intended use, but portability is reduced and users must transport multiple separate rollers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller diameter adaptabilityVSAvoidtotal weight to be transported
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is segmented into multiple subunits of the same diameter that can be connected end-to-end to create different lengths. Users only need to transport one set of subunits regardless of whether they need a short or long roller, significantly reducing the total weight and number of items to be carried compared to transporting multiple complete rollers of different lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The subunits are designed with hollow interiors that allow them to be nested within each other when not in use. Smaller diameter subunits can be inserted into larger diameter subunits, or subunits can be stacked within each other, creating a compact storage configuration that minimizes transport volume and weight while maintaining the ability to assemble various roller configurations when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 modular design allows users to easily switch between different lengths and diameters, maximizing the utility of the roller and facilitating its use in various settings, while also being more portable than standard rollers.

Implementation Method 1

this is comprised of hook and loop fastener material, such as that sold under the Trade Mark of Velcro

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook and loop fastener: Velcro

Data Source

PatentEP2395963B1Improved exercise roller
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 CASTIGLIONE ANGELO
  • EP2395963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2395963B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2395963B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An exercise roller (10) is comprised of at least two sub exercise roller units (12, 14), the sub exercise roller units (12, 14) connected together to form a single exercise roller (10) and separable to be usable as separate exercise rollers.