Prone Exercise Device with Spherical Rolling Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper body exercise devices in the prone position are limited to stationary motion, allowing only arm rotation or twisting, and fail to engage multiple muscle groups and joint ranges simultaneously, with complex designs and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel exercise device using spherically shaped balls or rollers with anti-friction bearings allows arms to move in all three planes of motion (saggital, frontal, and transverse) while sliding on a flat surface, engaging multiple muscle groups and joints with a simpler, more cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stationary base design is used, then device stability is improved, but arm motion range is limited to rotation only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical rolling elements (balls or rollers) at the interface between the moving base and stationary base. This spherical geometry enables the moving base to freely rotate and slide in multiple directions while maintaining stable contact through point or line contact, thereby expanding arm motion from single-axis rotation to three-plane movement while preserving device stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a completely stationary base to a dynamic system where the moving base can freely move across the stationary base surface. The anti-friction bearing system enables this dynamic movement, allowing the base to adapt to various motion directions while the user performs exercises in multiple planes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used, then arm motion versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing types (spherical rollers, cylindrical rollers, and spherical balls) into a unified anti-friction bearing system. This merged system provides multi-directional movement capability while reducing the overall number of separate moving components compared to traditional multi-axis exercise devices, thereby simplifying the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical rolling elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as anti-friction bearings, enable multi-directional movement, and provide structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional friction bearings are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spherical rolling elements that convert sliding friction into rolling friction. This geometric approach reduces energy loss from friction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as spherical rollers and balls can be efficiently produced through standard manufacturing processes like injection molding or machining
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional sliding friction bearing mechanics with rolling friction bearing mechanics. This substitution significantly reduces energy loss while keeping the overall bearing system simple and manufacturable, avoiding the need for complex lubrication systems or precision sliding surfaces
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 enhances muscle strength and joint flexibility by enabling a broader range of motion with fewer moving parts and lower production costs, making it more accessible and versatile than prior art.
Implementation Method 1
spherically shaped balls or rollers with anti-friction bearings
Implementation Method 2
rolling friction (although some sliding friction may exist) by placing a plurality of cylindrical or spherical rollers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and system for a human individual to exercise his body in a novel manner wherein the user, when he is in the prone position, is able to move his arms, while holding the instant apparatus placed on a relatively flat surface, in all three planes of human motion simultaneously; i.e. saggital, frontal and transverse planes.