Multi-Axis Balance Trainer With Adjustable Dome Instability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balance trainers lack adjustability and compactness, limiting their effectiveness across different skill levels and environments, and fail to simulate the multidirectional instability encountered in real-world situations, thereby underperforming in enhancing core strength and proprioception.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis balance trainer with an adjustable dome-shaped bottom member and inflatable chamber that allows customizable instability levels, mimicking real-world movements and challenges, featuring a detachable design for portability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional balance trainers use a fixed base with flat or slightly curved surface, then the structure is simple and stable, but the range of motion is restricted primarily to anterior-posterior or lateral planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed base with a movable dome-shaped bottom member that can rotate about multiple axes. This dynamic structure enables the trainer to simulate multidirectional instability and provide a comprehensive range of motion across all three spatial planes, directly resolving the contradiction between restricted range of motion and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the balance trainer into distinct functional components: a flat deck for support, a dome-shaped bottom member for instability generation, and an inflatable chamber for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving multi-axis motion capability while maintaining overall structural manageability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If balance trainers provide fixed instability levels, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different skill levels or rehabilitation stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatics by incorporating an inflatable chamber within the dome-shaped bottom member. Users can adjust the air pressure to modify the rigidity and instability characteristics of the dome, thereby customizing the training difficulty to match different skill levels and rehabilitation requirements without adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing users to modify the physical state of the inflatable chamber (air pressure) to change the rigidity parameter of the dome-shaped bottom member. This enables continuous adjustment of instability levels across different training stages while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If balance trainers are designed for compactness and portability, then the device is easy to store and transport, but it may compromise stability and training effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the balance trainer into separable components: a flat deck and a dome-shaped bottom member that can be detached from each other. This segmentation enables compact storage and easy transport while maintaining structural integrity during use, as the components can be quickly reassembled when needed for training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dome-shaped bottom member with curved geometry that provides inherent structural stability through its shape. The spherical curvature distributes loads effectively and maintains rigidity during use, while the overall compact form factor enhances portability and ease of storage.
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
Enhances core strength and proprioceptive abilities by providing tailored training experiences across various skill levels and environments, ensuring safety and adaptability through adjustable instability and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The rigidity of the bottom member is adjustable through an inflatable chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a modular multi-axis balance trainer that includes a substantially flat deck forming a top portion having a substantially rigid member for stepping. A rigid bottom member is arranged beneath the substantially flat deck. The rigid bottom member is substantially dome-shaped and is configured to be placed on a surface. The rigid bottom member is configured to induce rotational instability on a user stepping on the substantially flat deck to challenge a balance of the user. The modular multi-axis balance trainer also includes a transversely extending opening that allows an insertion of a foot strap, securing the user during dynamic balance exercises. Additional features of the modular multi-axis balance trainer include thermoplastic polyurethane construction for the deck and dome structures, resilience to deformation, and multi-axial rotations enabled by the dome shape.