Therapeutic Putty Stiffness Adjustment via Additive Chemistry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise putties lack the ability to adjust stiffness without altering the total weight, color, or physical properties, limiting user customization and therapeutic effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a primary mass of putty and separate additives, such as softening or hardening agents, that can be introduced to modify stiffness without changing the weight, color, or appearance of the putty, allowing users to customize resistance levels based on visual and aesthetic criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a secondary mass of higher stiffness is integrated into the primary mass to increase hardness, then the stiffness of the putty is improved, but the total weight of the primary mass is dramatically altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of the putty through additive substances that alter stiffness without significantly changing weight. The additive changes the mechanical properties (stiffness) of the primary mass while maintaining substantially the same total weight, color, and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing an additive that locally modifies the stiffness properties of the putty. The additive concentrates its effect on the mechanical properties (stiffness) while leaving other properties (weight, color, appearance) substantially unchanged, creating a localized improvement in the desired property.
2Strength
If a secondary mass is integrated to achieve hardening effect by averaging hardness, then the maximum hardness is limited, but the user experiences significant fatigue during integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an additive that directly modifies the stiffness parameter of the primary mass rather than averaging it with a secondary mass. This allows achieving higher hardness levels without the physical fatigue associated with integrating extremely hard secondary masses.
3Strength
If a secondary mass comprising a significant percentage by weight is added to achieve hardening, then the stiffness is improved, but the color and texture of the primary mass are dramatically altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selectively modifying only the stiffness parameter of the putty through chemical additives. The additive is formulated to change mechanical properties while maintaining substantially the same color, texture, and appearance, allowing manufacturers to market putties based on aesthetic criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the effect of the additive on the stiffness property while leaving other properties (color, texture, appearance) substantially unchanged. This selective modification allows improvement in stiffness without sacrificing aesthetic qualities.
4Strength
If the primary mass is hardened by integrating secondary mass, then the stiffness is increased, but the user is unable to soften the mass without dramatically altering weight or properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stiffness property adjustable and reversible. The additive system allows the user to dynamically change the stiffness of the putty - hardening it when needed and softening it when the primary mass becomes too stiff, providing adaptability throughout the therapeutic exercise regimen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling bidirectional modification of the stiffness parameter. The user can add hardening additive to increase stiffness or softening additive to decrease stiffness, allowing continuous adjustment of the mechanical properties to match the user's changing needs during therapy.
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
Enables users to adjust putty stiffness seamlessly, maintaining consistent weight, color, and texture, thereby enhancing therapeutic exercises and providing previously unavailable resistance levels.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a hardening agent to the first mass, whereby the hardening agent chemically interacts with the first mass to increase the stiffness of the combined mass
Implementation Method 2
introducing a softening agent to the first mass, whereby the softening agent chemically interacts with the first mass to decrease the stiffness of the combined mass
Data Source
AI summary
A method of exercise or manipulative therapy is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first mass of putty, introducing an additive to the first mass of putty, and physically manipulating the first mass with the additive in order to create a combined mass. The combined mass exhibits a noticeable change in stiffness relative to the first mass, yet retains substantially the same weight and color of the first mass. Additionally disclosed is a kit for providing manipulative therapy of varying difficulty to a user. The kit includes a first mass of putty and an additive, which is initially separate from the first mass. If the additive is combined with the first mass, a combined mass is created. The combined mass exhibits a noticeable change in stiffness relative to the first mass, yet retains substantially the same weight and color of the first mass.