Muscle Exercise Device Segmentation for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of inexpensive, portable, and easy-to-use devices for effectively exercising core muscles at home or in other convenient locations, leading to potential poor posture, lower back pain, and physical weakness due to neglect of core muscle stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A muscle exercise device (MED) comprising two rigid rims positioned around a hollow, deformable raceway with a hoop-shaped spacer member, using fasteners to secure the components together, and featuring a handle with a deformable grip element and a rolling sphere within the raceway that provides resistance and tactile feedback, challenging the user's balance and neuromuscular control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gym equipment is used for core muscle exercise, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate rims that can be used independently or together, allowing the user to perform different exercises with each rim or combine them for more challenging workouts. This segmentation enables portability while maintaining exercise effectiveness through versatile exercise options
Solution Approach 2:
Each rim can function independently for various exercises, and they can also be used in combination. The rims can be positioned in different configurations (side-by-side, stacked, etc.) to provide multiple exercise modes, making the device universally applicable for different core strengthening needs while remaining portable
2Adaptability or versatility
If gym equipment is designed for comprehensive muscle exercise, then exercise coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise system is segmented into two simple rims that can be used independently or together. Each rim provides basic exercise functionality, and combining them expands exercise coverage without requiring a complex multi-component system. The simplicity of each segment maintains low device complexity while achieving comprehensive exercise coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The rims can be dynamically configured in various positions and orientations during exercise. Users can adjust the rims to different heights, angles, and arrangements to create diverse exercise routines. This dynamic adaptability provides comprehensive exercise coverage without requiring fixed complex structures
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 MED effectively exercises core, leg, back, shoulder, and arm muscles, as well as the cardiorespiratory system, promoting strength and neuromuscular control, while being portable and easy to use, offering rehabilitation and fitness applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling sphere within the raceway that provides resistance and tactile feedback
Implementation Method 2
a hollow, deformable raceway with a hoop-shaped spacer member
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a substantially round, hollow element having an exterior surface and an interior cavity, with the round, hollow element having a U-shaped cross-section, the U-shape including two distal ends. The exercise apparatus also includes at least two rims, each rim positioned about a portion of the round, hollow element at each distal end of the U-shape. A spacer member is located between each distal end of the U-shape and between the rims and at least two fasteners extend between both of the at least two rims, the fasteners providing a clamping force to the at least two rims so that the spacer member and both distal ends of the round, hollow element are fixed relative to each other.