Neutral-Wrist Arm Exercise Grip for Adjustable Rotational Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current upper body ergometers lack proper wrist positioning, leading to undesirable orientations and increased risk of upper extremity complications due to over-pronated wrist positioning, and they are often bulky, costly, and lack portability.

Innovation Solution

A handheld exercise device with adjustable length and oblique angled handgrips that allow for neutral wrist positioning, multiple grip positions, and adjustable torque, providing ergonomic comfort and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current upper body ergometers are used to provide rotational torque, then exercise function is achieved, but wrist positioning becomes over-pronated and undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrist positioningVSAvoidover-pronated wrist orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handgrips are positioned at oblique angles rather than symmetrically, allowing the user's hands to be oriented in a neutral position rather than forced into over-pronation. This asymmetric configuration of the handgrips relative to the frame axis enables natural wrist alignment during exercise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows dynamic adjustment of handgrip positions and angles, enabling users to find and maintain optimal neutral wrist positioning throughout the range of motion, rather than being constrained to a fixed over-pronated position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional upper body ergometers are designed with fixed handgrips, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different grip positions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand placement optionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handgrips are segmented into multiple positionable locations along the frame, allowing users to select different grip positions to target specific muscle groups. This segmentation provides versatility without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple exercise functions through different hand placements and grip positions, making it a universal upper body exercise device that can address various therapeutic and fitness needs within a single apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If upper body ergometers are designed with stabilizer bases and attached seats, then stability is improved, but portability and space footprint are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase stabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Stability is provided locally at the base through a tripod configuration, which distributes weight effectively and provides inherent stability without requiring additional heavy stabilizing structures or large footprints. The tripod base achieves stability with minimal mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than adding heavy stabilizing mechanisms to ensure stability, the design inverts the approach by using a lightweight tripod configuration that derives stability from its geometric structure and weight distribution, eliminating the need for additional stabilizing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If handgrips are positioned at fixed locations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ability to target specific muscle groups is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle group targetingVSAvoidhandgrip positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple handgrip positions are pre-configured at specific locations along the frame during manufacturing, allowing users to select appropriate positions for different muscle groups. This preliminary positioning during manufacturing provides versatility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables controlled stress on upper extremities with neutral wrist positioning, reducing compensatory postural adjustments and improving ergonomic comfort while being portable and versatile for various therapeutic exercises.

Implementation Method 1

a first bearing that can be disposed within the first end; a second bearing that can be disposed within the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

a first tensioner, wherein the first tensioner may be disposed on the first end and can be structured and configured to adjust a torque of the first bearing; a second tensioner, wherein the second tensioner can be disposed on the second end and can be structured and configured to adjust a torque of the second bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12539444B2Arm exercise device utilizing a neutral wrist position

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 CUBED THERAPY LLC

AI summary

An improved exercise device to allow a user a natural hand position to focus the exercise on a particular muscle group or secondary task within the user's upper extremity by providing handgrips wherein a user may position their wrist in a variety of manners most functional to the individual or exercise. The device can assist users in their therapy to rehabilitate their muscles. The device and method provide a user with neutral wrist positioning while exercising by rotating the device in a circular manner about a single axis.