Motorized Hamstring Stretching Device with Automated Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many individuals suffer from tightness in the hamstring muscles due to genetic factors, back problems, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of stretching, leading to decreased physical performance, muscle tearing, postural issues, and pain in the back and knees, for which existing solutions do not effectively address the need for efficient muscle stretching and flexibility improvement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support shaft with hand grips and foot plates, equipped with a user-actuated drive mechanism, such as a ratchet or motor, that allows the user to move the hand grips along the shaft towards the foot plates, effectively stretching the hamstring and back muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual stretching methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but stretching effectiveness and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stretching with an automated motor-driven system. The motor (202) automatically moves the handle (201) along the rod (204) to position it against the hamstring muscle, eliminating the need for manual positioning and providing precise, controlled stretching motion through mechanical automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-administered stretching through automated operation. The motor-driven system allows the user to simply position their leg and activate the device, which then automatically performs the stretching action without requiring the user to manually manipulate complex mechanisms or coordinate multiple body parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intensive stretching is applied to improve flexibility, then muscle flexibility improves, but risk of muscle injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic, controlled motion through the motor-driven handle movement. The system provides gradual, progressive stretching by automatically adjusting the handle position along the rod, allowing the muscle to adapt incrementally to the stretching force rather than experiencing sudden, intense tension that could cause injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the user's leg position and muscle response inform the stretching intensity. The motor-controlled system can be adjusted based on user feedback (pain levels, flexibility improvements), allowing the stretching intensity to be modulated to maximize flexibility gains while minimizing injury risk through continuous adaptation.
3Productivity
If stretching frequency is increased to improve flexibility, then flexibility improvement accelerates, but time required for each session increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven system enables continuous, uninterrupted stretching action. Unlike manual methods that require pausing for repositioning and adjustment, the automated handle moves continuously along the rod, maintaining constant stretching force and motion throughout the exercise session, thereby maximizing the efficiency of each stretching moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary positioning and setup automatically through the motor system. The motor pre-positions the handle at optimal starting locations along the rod and prepares the stretching sequence before the actual stretching begins, eliminating setup time and allowing the user to immediately engage in productive stretching activity.
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 enhances muscle flexibility, alleviates pain and stiffness, and improves physical performance by providing a controlled and effective stretching mechanism for the hamstring and back muscles.
Implementation Method 1
a user-actuated drive mechanism comprising a ratchet for moving the hand grips and ratchet downward along the support shaft toward the foot plates when the user-actuated drive mechanism is activated
Implementation Method 2
a user-actuated drive mechanism comprising a motor for moving the hand grips downward along the support shaft toward the foot plates when the user-actuated drive mechanism is activated
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that facilitates the stretching and exercising of the hamstring and back muscles is provided. The apparatus can be used for stretching to improve flexibility, to warm up muscles before physical activity, and/or for physical rehabilitation after injury. The apparatus includes a set of hand grips and a set of foot plates. A user grasps the hand grips and positions the arches of his or her feet above the foot plates. The apparatus includes a user actuated drive mechanism for moving a set of hand grips along the shaft toward the foot plates. The user maintains a grip of the hand grips as the hand grips move along the shaft toward the foot plates, thereby stretching the hamstring and back muscles of the user.