Multifunctional curved board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current curved boards for standing at work cause improper joint bending, leading to stress and discomfort, and are rigid, making it difficult to use a keyboard while rocking, thus reducing work efficiency and increasing physical passivity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional curved board with ergonomically designed counter-curve pieces or structures that allow natural foot positioning and flexibility, produced using molding or CNC machining, enabling adjustable rigidity and elasticity, and featuring a convex side for varied exercises and add-ons for enhanced versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a curved board is used for standing, then movement for legs is allowed and numbing is reduced, but joints of ankles and knees bend to wrong position causing stress problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort of standingVSAvoidjoint stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The board features different curvature radii in different regions: a first curvature radius in the front region and a second curvature radius in the rear region. This local differentiation allows the front part to support the ball of the foot while the rear part supports the heel, maintaining natural foot alignment and preventing joint stress while still providing leg movement benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a rigid curved board is used, then structural stability is maintained, but even tension is caused in legs and muscles making it difficult to work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The board incorporates a rocking capability that allows dynamic adjustment of the curvature. The rocking movement enables users to vary the points of tension in their legs and muscles, preventing even tension and muscle fatigue while maintaining structural stability through the controlled rocking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the board is rocked for varying tension points, then muscle tension is varied, but keyboard use becomes nearly impossible and work is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle tension variationVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rocking movement is designed to be subtle and controlled rather than extreme. The board can be rocked slightly to vary tension points while maintaining enough stability for keyboard use, allowing users to get the benefits of muscle tension variation without completely disrupting work activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If counter-curve pieces are attached to ends of board, then foot positioning is corrected and joint stress is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint stressVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-curve pieces are integrated into the board structure by attaching them to the ends of the curved board. This merging of components creates a unified structure that corrects foot positioning and reduces joint stress while minimizing added complexity through straightforward attachment methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 board allows for comfortable standing with even tension reduction, enabling effective muscle strengthening, balance training, and stretching, while being versatile for different exercises and user weights, improving overall health and work efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the body is rigid in the direction of its radius of curvature, supporting at least the weight of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigidity:

Implementation Method 2

flexible in the direction transverse to the radius of curvature so that the multi-functional curved board can be bent in a direction transverse to the radius of curvature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlexibility:

Implementation Method 3

the counter-curve means are curved outwards from the opposite surface of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric curvature: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3197568B1Multifunctional curved board
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 GYMBA OY
  • EP3197568B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3197568B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3197568B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A multi-functional curved board to be used when working in standing position and for working when sitting down as a support for feet and generally for maintaining muscle strength, the multi-functional curved board having at least one curved body (1). The body (1) comprises at least one counter-curve means (3). One surface (1 b) of the body is curved outwards and the counter-curve means are fastened to a surface (1 a) opposite this surface (1 a) adjacent the end sides (1 d) of the body (1) and the counter-curve means are curved outwards from the opposite surface of the body (1).