Releasable Impact Absorbing Panel for Step Aerobics Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive impacts from step aerobics exercises cause joint discomfort, particularly for older users and those with compromised joints or rehabilitation needs, as existing exercise devices lack effective impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorbing exercise device featuring a stepping platform with a releasable attachment system, utilizing a resilient wear surface and impact absorbing material like silicone-based gel or foam, positioned between the wear surface and the platform, to reduce the impact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid exercise step is used for step aerobics, then the workout intensity and effectiveness are improved, but the repetitive impacts cause joint discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating an impact absorbing panel with resilient material directly onto the rigid exercise step platform. This cushioning layer is installed in advance before use, allowing the step to maintain its rigid structure for effective workouts while simultaneously absorbing repetitive impacts to prevent joint discomfort and pain during exercise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an impact absorbing material is added to the exercise step, then joint discomfort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the exercise step into distinct functional components: the rigid platform for structural support, the impact absorbing panel with resilient material for shock absorption, and the attachment system for assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining impact absorption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing an impact absorbing panel as a mediator between the user's foot and the rigid platform. This intermediate layer absorbs and dissipates impact forces, reducing joint discomfort without requiring changes to the fundamental structure of the exercise step, thereby minimizing device complexity.
3Ease of repair
If a releasable attachment system is used for the impact absorbing panel, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a releasable attachment system that allows the impact absorbing panel to be easily installed and removed. This dynamic attachment mechanism enables users to maintain or replace the panel without complex tools or procedures, improving ease of maintenance while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through standardized connection interfaces.
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 absorbs impact, reducing joint discomfort by distributing the force of each step, thus providing a more comfortable workout for users with joint issues.
Implementation Method 1
an impact absorbing panel (18) configured to be releasably coupled to the upper surface (14) of the stepping platform (12). The impact absorbing panel (18) includes a resilient wear surface (20) and an impact absorbing material (22) positioned between the resilient wear surface (20) and the stepping platform (12)
Implementation Method 2
The resilient wear surface may be constructed of a material chosen from the group consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
Data Source
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AI summary
An impact absorbing exercise device includes a stepping platform having an upper surface and a lower surface. An impact absorbing panel is configured to be releasably coupled to the upper surface of the stepping platform. The impact absorbing panel includes a resilient wear surface and an impact absorbing material positioned between the resilient wear surface and the stepping platform.