Plank Support Apparatus with Destabilizing Device for Injury Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plank exercise devices often lead to discomfort and injury due to unrestricted sliding movements, improper ergonomic handle grips, and concentrated force on the elbows, which can result in overextension and strain on the wrists and forearms.
Innovation Solution
A plank support exercise apparatus with adjustable hand grip and forearm support pads, a ground-interface surface, and a destabilizing device that allows controlled rotational movement, distributing the user's weight and providing ergonomic support to reduce strain on elbows and wrists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plank exercise devices allow unrestricted sliding movement, then users can move freely during exercise, but users are highly susceptible to inadvertently overextending exercise positions which can result in injury
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary anti-action by providing controlled resistance to sliding movement through friction between the ground-interface surface and ground, and through the destabilizing device that creates rotational resistance. This pre-applied counter-force prevents users from inadvertently overextending positions by making the movement可控 (controllable) rather than unrestricted, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining exercise effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-interface surface acts as an intermediary between the device and the ground, mediating the interaction through its frictional properties. The destabilizing device serves as another intermediary that introduces controlled rotational resistance. These intermediaries transform the unrestricted sliding motion into controlled movement, allowing exercise freedom while preventing harmful overextension.
2Device complexity
If conventional devices transfer bodyweight through the elbow to the ground, then the exercise structure is simple, but the localized force on the elbow causes discomfort and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the force transfer path by introducing intermediate components (frame member, ground-interface surface, destabilizing device) between the elbow and ground. This segmentation distributes the localized elbow force across multiple contact points and structural elements, reducing the concentrated stress on the elbow while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides beforehand cushioning by positioning the ground-interface surface and destabilizing device to absorb and distribute forces before they reach the elbow. The frictional resistance and rotational control act as pre-applied cushioning forces that reduce the impact on the elbow joint during exercise.
3Device complexity
If conventional handle grips are positioned aligned with or higher than the user's arm, then the device structure is simplified, but this results in upwards pitching of the user's wrist causing strain
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by specifically optimizing the hand grip positioning and orientation to address wrist ergonomics. The handle grips are positioned and angled to maintain neutral wrist alignment, creating a localized ergonomic solution that doesn't require complex overall restructuring of the device. This targeted adjustment eliminates wrist strain while keeping the rest of the device structure simple.
4Reliability
If conventional devices provide stable support, then user safety is improved, but additional muscle groups are not engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies dynamics by introducing controlled instability through the destabilizing device that allows rotational movement. This transforms the static stable support into dynamic, controlled instability that challenges the user's balance and engages additional stabilizing muscle groups. The ground-interface surface provides sufficient friction to maintain safety while the rotational freedom enables enhanced muscle activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A plank support exercise apparatus and related methods is provided. The plank support exercise apparatus has a frame and at least one arm support pad connected to the frame. A ground-interface surface is positioned along at least a portion of the apparatus.