Portable Exercise Apparatus With Oscillating Resilient Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable exercise apparatuses do not effectively rehabilitate specific skeletal muscles, joints, and tendons while minimizing the risks associated with strenuous exercise, often relying solely on isometric contraction.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise apparatus comprising a resilient member, weights connected to its ends, and a holding member, designed to flex and oscillate when held, allowing for targeted muscle engagement and energy transfer to joints and tendons through ergonomic design and adjustable weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional exercise apparatus are used for rehabilitation, then muscle strength can be improved, but the risk of injury to skeletal muscles, joints and tendons increases due to strenuous exercise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the exercise system by introducing a resilient member (spring) that transforms the exercise mechanism. The spring constant and weight combinations allow for adjustable resistance levels, enabling rehabilitation exercises that build muscle strength without requiring the high forces that cause injury. The elastic properties of the spring provide controlled resistance that adapts to the user's capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a resilient member that creates oscillating motion and dynamic resistance. The system transitions from static resistance to dynamic resistance that varies during the exercise range of motion. This dynamic characteristic allows the resistance to be highest at the most vulnerable points in the exercise arc, reducing injury risk while maintaining effectiveness for muscle strengthening.
2Strength
If isometric contraction exercises are used, then muscle engagement is achieved, but the ability to rehabilitate specific skeletal muscles, joints and tendons is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exercise function by providing separate, adjustable weights that can be independently configured on each side of the resilient member. This segmentation allows different weights to be applied to different muscle groups or joints, enabling targeted rehabilitation of specific body parts while maintaining overall muscle engagement. Each side can be customized for the specific rehabilitation needs of that particular joint or muscle group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal exercise apparatus that can perform multiple rehabilitation functions through the combination of adjustable weights, resilient member, and handle configuration. The same basic structure can target different muscle groups, joints, and tendons by simply changing the weight configuration, making it versatile for various rehabilitation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If portable exercise apparatuses are designed for general use, then ease of operation is improved, but the effectiveness for rehabilitating specific skeletal muscles, joints and tendons decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains portability while achieving specific rehabilitation targets through dynamic adjustability. The resilient member system allows the resistance characteristics to be dynamically changed by swapping weights or adjusting their positions, enabling the same portable device to target specific muscles, joints, or tendons based on rehabilitation needs without compromising ease of operation or portability.
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 apparatus enables targeted exercise of specific muscle groups with reduced risk of injury, allowing for rehabilitation and strength training without full-body exertion, suitable for athletes, injured individuals, and the elderly by utilizing the elastic properties of the resilient member and weights to engage muscles, joints, and tendons effectively.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient member; the at least one resilient member is a coil spring
Implementation Method 2
the first weight weighs enough the flex the first end portion downward with respect to the center portion; and the second weight weighs enough the flex the second end portion downward with respect to the center portion
Implementation Method 3
a first weight connected to a first end portion of the at least one resilient member; a second weight connected to a second end portion of the at least one resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes at least one resilient member; a first weight connected to a first end portion of the at least one resilient member; a second weight connected to a second end portion of the at least one resilient member, and a holding member connected to a center portion of the at least one resilient member, the center portion being between the first and second end portions. Another exercise apparatus includes a holding member; a first resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member; a first weight connected to the first resilient member; a second resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member opposite the first end portion of the first resilient member; a second weight connected to the second resilient member.