Portable Therapeutic Exercise Device with Elastic Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise devices are not adequately designed for therapeutic needs, particularly for post-operative patients, as they lack portability, convenience, and effectiveness in restoring and maintaining range of motion, strength, and stability, especially for lower extremity injuries.
Innovation Solution
A portable therapeutic exercise device with a support frame, carriage assembly, tensioning system, and stabilizing cords that allows for adjustable resistance and user-friendly operation on various surfaces, including beds, chairs, and tables, enabling controlled concentric and eccentric chain exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional exercise devices are used, then exercise function is provided, but portability and ease of transport are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including a support frame, carriage assembly, and tensioning system that can be disassembled and stored compactly, enabling portability while maintaining full exercise functionality when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves multiple functions as it can be configured for different exercise types and positions, allowing the lightweight device to provide comprehensive exercise coverage despite its portable design
2Reliability
If complex exercise devices are used, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tension cords automatically provide resistance force without requiring additional mechanisms or adjustments, and the carriage assembly self-adjusts through user movement, eliminating complex control systems while maintaining exercise effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Exercise resistance is adjusted by changing the number of elastic cords engaged or their attachment points, allowing effective resistance variation without adding mechanical complexity to the device structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed exercise devices are used, then stability is provided, but adaptability to different settings and positions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the carriage assembly moves along the support frame and elastic cords adjust tension based on user position, enabling adaptation to various exercise positions while maintaining operational stability through elastic restraint
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 facilitates effective range of motion, strength, and stability exercises for post-operative patients, enhancing rehabilitation by being lightweight, easy to transport, and adaptable for different settings, while providing adjustable resistance and user feedback through a force gauge.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning system which comprises a plurality of selectively operable elastic tension cords, each having an anchor end and an operating attachment end by which the operating end can be manipulated and attached
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a portable therapeutic exercise device and more particularly a convenient exercise device, which is particularly adapted for restoring and/or maintaining the range of motion of post-operative patients and also having general therapeutic use. The disclosed device has several significant and novel improvements over prior art devices. Several improvements have resulted in a device which is much easier and less expensive to produce, lighter, more convenient to transport and to store. The device has a lightweight base frame, and a moveable carriage connected thereto. A plurality of elastic members couple the base to the carriage to supply resistant force while in operation.