Polygonal Exercise Apparatus for Lower-Limb Group Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current exercise and assessment equipment for lower limb function is bulky, space-consuming, and designed for individual use, lacking the ability to accommodate multiple users simultaneously, especially in limited clinic spaces, and does not integrate assessment and exercise tools effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular, multi-purpose exercise apparatus with a polygonal frame structure that accommodates multiple users, integrating assessment tools and exercise components like horizontal bars, a rotating carousel, and a base plate, allowing for group therapy sessions and efficient use of space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate assessment tools and exercise equipment are used, then individual therapy functions are achieved, but space consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapy functionVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate therapy equipment (assessment tools, exercise equipment, horizontal bars, carousels) into a single integrated polygonal frame structure that can accommodate multiple users simultaneously, reducing the total space required in therapy clinics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The polygonal exercise apparatus serves multiple functions including lower limb assessment, flexibility exercises, strength training, and balance exercises, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized equipment while maintaining adaptability to various therapy needs

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

2Ease of operation

If individual exercise equipment is used, then personalized therapy is achieved, but the ability to accommodate multiple users simultaneously is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized therapyVSAvoidnumber of users
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polygonal frame is divided into multiple sides, with each side capable of accommodating one or more users simultaneously. Each side can be independently configured with appropriate exercise components, allowing personalized therapy for multiple users within a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus transitions from linear or single-user configurations to a multi-dimensional polygonal structure that accommodates multiple users in different spatial zones simultaneously, increasing user capacity while maintaining individualized therapy options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate equipment pieces are used, then comprehensive exercise options are provided, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise optionsVSAvoidequipment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polygonal frame structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various exercise components (horizontal bars at different heights, rotating carousels, resistance bands) to provide comprehensive exercise options without requiring multiple separate equipment pieces

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

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as height-adjustable horizontal bars, removable components, and rotating carousels that can be dynamically modified to provide different exercise options while maintaining a unified structural base

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12427365B2Multi-purpose exercise apparatus for group therapy
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 PINEDA III CARLOS PENA
  • US12427365B2 patent drawing
  • US12427365B2 patent drawing
  • US12427365B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-purpose exercise apparatus for group therapy includes a plurality of side frames. At least one of the side frames includes a first horizontal bar, a second horizontal bar, a third horizontal bar, and first and second vertical bars. The second horizontal bar is positioned above the first horizontal bar, and the third horizontal bar is positioned above the second horizontal bar. Each side frame accommodates a user, enabling the exercise apparatus to accommodate multiple users simultaneously. The plurality of the side frames are constructed to form a closed polygonal frame. The closed polygonal frame may be shaped as a triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or other polygon. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of the side frames may form an unclosed polygon to allow a trainer or instructor to enter the unclosed polygon through an open side.