Modular Home Physical Therapy Device with Inflatable Ball

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing at-home physical therapy tools are difficult to use and lack motivation, failing to effectively rehabilitate various body parts and provide multiple rehabilitation methods.

Innovation Solution

A total home physical therapy device comprising a handle, a body with a cylindrical shape, a spring, and an inflatable ball, designed for easy use in seated or laying positions, with additional features like resistance bands and a disassembleable design for storage, allowing for various exercises and methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing at-home physical therapy tools are used, then they are simple in structure, but they are difficult to use and lack motivation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components including a handle assembly, resistance band, inflatable ball, and storage bag. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The handle can be easily attached and detached from the resistance band, and the ball can be independently inflated or deflated for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple physical therapy functions through a single integrated system. The resistance band provides upper body and lower body resistance training, the inflatable ball enables inner thigh strengthening exercises, and the entire assembly can be used in various positions (seated or laying). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing at-home physical therapy tools are used, then they have simple structure, but they fail to provide multiple rehabilitation methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverehabilitation versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to perform multiple physical therapy functions through a single integrated system. The resistance band provides upper body and lower body resistance training, the inflatable ball enables inner thigh strengthening exercises, and the entire assembly can be used in various positions (seated or laying). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and dynamic elements including an inflatable ball that can be adjusted to different firmness levels, a resistance band that can be modified in tension, and a telescoping handle that adjusts in length. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to different rehabilitation stages and user needs without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If existing at-home physical therapy tools are used, then they are simple to manufacture, but they are hard to use and uninspiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser engagementVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components including a handle assembly, resistance band, inflatable ball, and storage bag. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The handle can be easily attached and detached from the resistance band, and the ball can be independently inflated or deflated for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes pre-assembled components with pre-attached connection points and pre-configured resistance levels. The handle comes with pre-installed attachment mechanisms for the resistance band, and the ball is pre-equipped with an inflation valve. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of assembly and setup for the end user while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides an improved, easy-to-use physical therapy tool that enables rehabilitation of multiple body parts through multiple methods, overcoming the limitations of existing tools by enhancing user engagement and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The device is primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The handle can be held in the hand of the user such that the ball can be inflated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20240100379A1Total Home Physical Therapy Device

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 EMERUWA HILDA

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a total home physical therapy device that can be used to perform physical therapy exercises. The device is primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The handle can be held in the hand of the user such that the ball can be inflated and can be used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position.