Passive Stretching Device Using Segmented Foot Strap and Counterweight Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices for the foot, ankle, knee, and lower back often require users to contract muscles or maintain non-relaxed positions to achieve a stretch, making it difficult to achieve a purely passive stretch.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an anchor, a foot strap, and handle straps that secure to the user's leg, allowing for a relaxed position by applying an opposing force through the foot strap and handles to stretch the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia muscles, along with the hamstring muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art exercise devices are used, then stretching exercise can be performed, but the user cannot achieve a purely passive stretch because muscle contraction or non-relaxed positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an anchor portion that secures to the leg, a foot strap that contacts the foot, and handle straps that provide the stretching force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling passive stretching without requiring the user to contract muscles or maintain complex positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot strap acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the handles. It transfers the force applied by the user on the handles directly to the foot and lower leg muscles, enabling passive stretching of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia without requiring active muscle contraction from the user.
2Reliability
If active stretching is used to prepare muscle for action, then muscle control and flexibility improve, but the user cannot achieve complete relaxation which is needed for maximum range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a counterbalancing force system where the anchor secured to the leg provides a stable base, and the handle straps allow the user to apply force in the opposite direction. This counterforce mechanism enables the user to achieve passive stretching with complete relaxation, as the device structure itself provides the necessary support and opposition force.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a device and method for achieving a passive stretch, wherein the device has an anchor, a foot strap, a handle strap and at least one handle. The anchor secures the device to the user such that an opposing force can be applied to the device. A foot strap is attached to the anchor and extends under the heel and plantar surface of the user's foot. The foot strap maintains contact with the user's entire foot. The foot strap extends past the user's toes and connects to a set of handles by way of a handle strap. The user can apply force by pulling the handles toward the user's body thereby achieving a stretch through the user's foot and calf muscle, into the hamstring muscle in particular embodiments.