Pivoting Pedal Exercise Device for Ankle Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for preventing venous thromboembolism are cumbersome, complex, and expensive, limiting their practicality for use outside hospital settings and failing to provide full flexion and extension of the ankle joint, which are essential for effective muscle exercise and blood circulation.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise device with a pedal pivotably connected to a base, allowing rotation in both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion directions, and incorporating a resistance mechanism to provide passive resistance throughout the range of motion, enabling full ankle flexion and extension while being lightweight and compact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional prophylaxis devices (compression stockings, pneumatic compression devices) are used, then blood circulation is improved, but the device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a base structure and a pedal structure that pivots relative to the base. This segmentation allows the pedal to be moved independently through full ranges of motion (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) while remaining connected to the stable base, achieving VTE prevention functionality with a simpler, more portable structure compared to conventional compression devices
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal is designed to dynamically pivot between multiple positions (plantar flexion, neutral, dorsiflexion) rather than maintaining a fixed compression position. This dynamic movement capability provides active muscle exercise and blood circulation benefits while keeping the device structure simple and portable, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional exercise devices are used to articulate joints, then muscle exercise is improved, but the device portability and simplicity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pedal from the base with a pivot connection, the device enables full joint articulation exercise (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) through simple structural components. This segmentation achieves comprehensive muscle exercise functionality without requiring complex mechanical systems, maintaining portability and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting pedal structure serves multiple functions: it enables plantar flexion exercise, dorsiflexion exercise, and can be positioned in a neutral resting position. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single simple pivot mechanism rather than multiple complex components, improving ease of operation while maintaining device simplicity
3Reliability
If full flexion and extension of ankle joint is achieved, then blood circulation effectiveness is improved, but the device portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal pivots dynamically through full ranges of motion (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) to achieve effective blood circulation, while the entire device remains lightweight and portable. The dynamic pivot mechanism allows comprehensive ankle exercise without requiring heavy structural support, resolving the contradiction between circulation effectiveness and 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 device effectively increases blood circulation in the lower extremities by allowing full range of motion and providing a portable, inexpensive solution for at-risk individuals, demonstrated by significant improvements in blood flow velocity during exercise.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the pedal about the pivot axis in a direction opposite to a respective direction of rotation of the pedal about the pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable exercise device includes a pedal spaced away from and pivotably connected to a base and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal is configured to rotate about the pivot axis in a first direction toward the base and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward the base. The device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the pedal about the pivot axis in a direction opposite to the respective direction of rotation of the pedal. The device is movable between an open, in-use configuration, where the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot and spaced away from the base, and a closed configuration, where the pedal is adjacent the base.