Elevated Stretching Device Leveraging Segmentation for Deeper Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretching devices limit the extent to which a person can bend during stretches like the standing hamstring stretch, particularly for individuals with varying flexibility levels, as they rely solely on body weight, which may not provide sufficient assistance for deeper stretches or support for less flexible individuals.
Innovation Solution
A stretching device with an elongate rigid planar body and handles, supported by flexible feet that keep the device elevated above the floor, allowing users to grasp and pull for deeper stretches, providing additional support and stability for various exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person uses only body weight to bend downwards during stretching, then the stretching can be performed without additional equipment, but the extent of bending is limited and insufficient for deeper stretches or less flexible individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching device serves as an intermediary between the user and the floor, providing a rigid planar body that acts as a lever arm. The device includes a rigid planar body with handles and support feet, where the rigid body provides structural support and the handles serve as intermediaries for the user to grasp and pull, enabling deeper stretches beyond what body weight alone can achieve.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stretching device provides fixed support close to the floor, then stability is improved, but the user cannot grasp the device for additional pulling assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device resolves this contradiction by operating in multiple dimensions: the support feet provide vertical stability by contacting the floor, while the rigid planar body extends horizontally to provide a grasping surface. The handles are positioned on the upper surface of the rigid body, allowing users to grasp the device at an elevated dimension rather than at floor level, thus maintaining both stability and graspability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is placed directly on the floor, then maximum stability is achieved, but no gap exists for user fingertips to grasp the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the support function from the grasping function. The support feet are separated from the main rigid body, creating a gap between the floor contact points and the user interaction surface. This segmentation allows the support feet to provide stability while the rigid body extends above the floor level, creating accessible space for user fingertips to grasp the handles or edges of the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A stretching device comprising: an elongate rigid planar body extending from a first end to a second end, the body further including an upper surface and an opposing lower surface; a first handle located on the upper surface of the body towards the first end of the body; a second handle located on the upper surface of the body towards the second end of the body; a first support located on the lower surface of the body towards the first end of the body; and a second support located on the lower surface of the body towards the second end of the body. The body is spaced above a floor surface by the first support and the second support such that a user may grasp one of the sides of the body.