Trunk Training Device with Movable Seat and Pelvic Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing training devices for trunk muscles often fail to effectively target specific muscle groups, such as back extensors, abdominal muscles, and lateral trunk muscles, and may require unnecessary twisting or leg support, which can be inhibiting for untrained or older users.

Innovation Solution

A training device with a frame, a seat for free sitting without floor contact, a first fixation device for the pelvis, and a second fixation device for the arm or hand, allowing the seat to move relative to the backrest, enabling targeted muscle training without leg support and adjustable inclination to suit different user needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the seat is fixed to the frame, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the trunk muscles cannot be effectively trained due to lack of movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle training effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is made movable relative to the backrest through a guide mechanism, allowing the seat to slide along a predetermined path. This dynamic configuration enables the trunk muscles to be engaged during exercise while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If leg support is provided, then untrained and older users can use the device, but the trunk muscles are not effectively targeted due to leg involvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidmuscle targeting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ground support function is completely removed from the device. Users sit on the seat without any leg or foot support, which eliminates the possibility of using legs for stabilization and ensures that only the trunk muscles are engaged in the exercise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the backrest and seat are connected and move together, then the device structure is simple, but specific trunk muscle groups cannot be selectively trained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle group selectivityVSAvoidmovement control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent components: the backrest remains stationary while the seat moves independently along a guide. This segmentation allows for selective engagement of different trunk muscle groups depending on the exercise position and movement direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat is designed to move independently relative to the backrest through a guide mechanism, enabling dynamic adjustment of the exercise trajectory. This allows users to target specific muscle groups by changing their body position and the direction of seat movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the seat allows free movement in all directions, then user comfort is improved, but the training effectiveness is reduced due to uncontrolled movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidguide mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide mechanism provides controlled movement along a predetermined path, allowing the seat to move freely within the constraints of the exercise requirements. This ensures proper form and muscle engagement while maintaining user comfort and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2773433B2Training apparatus for the trunk musculature
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 LETOW NIKOLAI
  • EP2773433B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2773433B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This invention relates to training apparatuses for the trunk musculature. The training apparatuses are characterized in particular in that the spinal erectors and the abdominal muscles can be trained. To this end, a frame has a sitting device with a seat for unrestrained sitting without contact with the floor, at least one backrest, a first fixing device for the pelvis, and at least one second fixing device for an arm or a hand. Furthermore, the seat including the coupled first fixing device is movable relative to the backrest including the second fixing device. The movable seat including the first fixing device and the backrest including the second fixing device advantageously result in the pelvis being movable while the upper body remains steady. The frame is configured so that the feet or the legs cannot support the upper body.