Personal activity mat

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for exercise mats that can facilitate various physical activities such as exercises, stretching, strength training, yoga, and physical therapy, while providing support and versatility in use.

Innovation Solution

A personal activity mat with a base, handles, equipment connectors, and elastic bands that allow for multiple uses, including exercises that require spine mobility and abdominal contraction, by providing stability and support through adjustable connectors and flexible materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a basic exercise mat is used, then it provides simple cushioning, but it lacks versatility for multiple exercise activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for multiple exercise activitiesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise mat is designed with multiple attachment points and connectors that enable it to serve multiple functions: providing cushioning, supporting various exercise positions, attaching resistance bands, and securing equipment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single mat structure adaptable to diverse exercise activities without requiring separate specialized equipment for each type of exercise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mat incorporates segmented functional zones with strategically placed attachment points, handles, and connectors distributed across different areas. This segmentation allows users to configure the mat for different exercise types by utilizing specific zones and attachment points, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachments and connectors are added to the mat, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment attachment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mat design merges multiple functions into integrated components: attachment points are built into the mat structure itself rather than being separate pieces, handles are incorporated directly into the mat body, and connectors are embedded within the fabric layers. This merging approach enables equipment attachment capability while minimizing the number of discrete components, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the mat structure is made more complex to support various positions, then exercise support improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise support and stabilityVSAvoidsetup and adjustment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mat incorporates self-adjusting features where the fabric layers and elastic components automatically adapt to user positioning and equipment attachment. The elastic bands and connectors are designed to self-tighten and secure without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby providing reliable exercise support while maintaining ease of operation and quick setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 users to perform a variety of exercises safely and effectively, supporting the spine and muscles while allowing for different positions and equipment attachments, enhancing user flexibility and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic band connected to the base, and a second elastic band connected to the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11975234B2Personal activity mat
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 YEUROUKIS JENIFER
  • US11975234B2 patent drawing
  • US11975234B2 patent drawing
  • US11975234B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A personal activity exercise mat including a base, a first handle connected to the base, a second handle connected to the base, a first equipment connector connected to the base, a second equipment connector connected to the base, a first elastic band connected to the base, and a second elastic band connected to the base, wherein these components facilitate use of the personal activity mat for multiple different activities.