Adjustable Plank Support Apparatus with Forearm Weight Distribution
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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 cause wrist and forearm strain.
Innovation Solution
A plank support exercise apparatus with adjustable hand grip and forearm support pads, featuring a ground-interface surface that distributes the user's weight across the forearms and hands, reducing pressure on the elbows and providing ergonomic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plank devices use unrestricted sliding movement, then the device allows free movement during exercise, but the user becomes highly susceptible to inadvertently overextending exercise positions which can result in injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sliding carriage mechanism as an intermediary between the user's body and the ground surface. The carriage includes a platform that contacts the user's body and a ground-contact surface that interfaces with the ground, mediating the interaction and providing controlled movement while preventing direct uncontrolled sliding that could cause injury
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of movement by introducing friction-based control through the ground-contact surface and platform interface. The sliding carriage allows movement within controlled parameters defined by the friction between the ground-contact surface and ground, preventing uncontrolled overextension while maintaining exercise effectiveness
2Productivity
If conventional devices transfer bodyweight through the elbow to the ground, then the exercise targets core muscles effectively, but the localized force causes discomfort and strain on the elbow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple support functions into a single sliding carriage device. The device combines a platform for body contact, a ground-contact surface for ground interfacing, and optional padding elements, consolidating the weight-bearing function while distributing forces through multiple contact points rather than concentrating them on the elbow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies padding to the platform surface before the user makes contact during exercise. This beforehand cushioning reduces the localized force on the elbow by providing a softer interface between the user's body and the device, preventing discomfort and strain while maintaining exercise effectiveness
3Device complexity
If conventional handle grips are positioned aligned with or higher than the user's arm, then the device structure is simplified, but the user's wrist experiences upwards pitching which results in strain and prevents proper leverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the handle grip relative to the user's arm. By positioning the handle grip below the user's arm rather than aligned with or higher than it, the device alters the biomechanical parameters of wrist positioning, eliminating upwards pitching and enabling proper leverage while maintaining structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A plank support exercise apparatus and related methods is provided. The plank support exercise apparatus has a hand grip and a frame extending from the hand grip. At least one arm support pad is connected to the frame, wherein a distance between the hand grip and the at least one arm support pad is adjustable. A ground-interface surface is positioned along at least a portion of the frame.