Portable Ankle Exercise Device With Segmented Pivot Pedals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) are cumbersome, complex, and expensive, limiting their practicality for use outside hospital settings or with at-risk groups such as travelers and sedentary individuals, and often fail to provide full flexion and extension of the ankle joint, essential for effective blood circulation.
Innovation Solution
A portable exercise device that allows full flexion and extension of the ankle joint, featuring a pivotably connected pedal with a resistance mechanism, enabling both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion motions, and designed for easy storage and transport, engaging the calf muscle pump and venous foot pump to enhance blood circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional VTE prevention devices are used, then blood circulation is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that can function independently or together. Each body can be used separately for different exercises, and they can be stored independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining circulation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Each body of the device is designed to perform multiple functions - the first body enables plantar flexion exercises while the second body enables dorsiflexion exercises. Both bodies can be used independently or in combination, providing versatile exercise options for VTE prevention without requiring a complex single-device system
2Productivity
If full flexion and extension of ankle joint is provided, then blood circulation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle exercise device is segmented into two independent bodies, each responsible for a specific motion (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion). This segmentation allows full range of motion to be achieved through simple, separate mechanisms rather than a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex mechanism to achieve both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, the invention inverts the approach by using two simple independent bodies, each performing one motion type. This simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining full functional capability
3Ease of operation
If portable design is implemented, then ease of transport is improved, but exercise capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separable bodies that can be transported independently or together. This segmentation enables portable storage in vehicles or luggage while maintaining full exercise capability when assembled or used separately
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including movable pedals that can rotate about pivot axes, allowing the structure to adapt between a compact portable configuration and an expanded exercise configuration. The resistance mechanisms can be adjusted or removed based on portability needs
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, reducing the risk of VTE by providing a simple, inexpensive, and portable solution for at-risk individuals, as demonstrated by a significant average percentage increase in blood flow velocity during use.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the first body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a first resistive force
Data Source
AI summary
A method for exercising muscles in an ankle, foot, and/or leg of a user includes positioning a foot of a user onto a first body of an exercise device. The first body is spaced away from a second body of the device and pivotably connected to the second body of the device at a pivot axis. The pivot axis is adjacent to a central portion of the first body. The method includes rotating the first body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a first resistive force. Rotating the first body includes subjecting the foot to a first motion. The method includes positioning the foot onto the second body. The method includes rotating the second body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a second resistive force. Rotating the second body includes subjecting the foot to a second motion, the second motion being different than the first motion.