Handheld Exercise Device with Rotating Liquid Mass for Reducing Peak Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional strength training devices, such as dumbbells, are poorly suited for dynamic movements that involve a greater range of motion and speed, leading to potential injuries due to high rotational and translational inertia, which can result in peak impact forces on joints and muscles, particularly in areas like the wrist and shoulder.
Innovation Solution
A handheld exercise device with a weighted body containing a liquid that freely flows within a circular tube, connected to a handle via a connector, which dampens rotational and translational forces by minimizing rotational inertia and peak forces through elastic deformation and free movement of the liquid, providing safer and more effective training for dynamic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inert masses like dumbbells are used for strength training, then strength training effectiveness is maintained, but rotational and translational inertia cause peak impact forces that can injure joints and muscles during dynamic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the weighted body rotatable about the handle, transforming the static inert mass into a dynamic system. The weighted body can rotate freely or with damping during exercise movements, allowing the mass distribution to change dynamically and reduce peak impact forces on joints and muscles while maintaining training effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of rotational inertia by allowing the weighted body to rotate about the handle. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to dynamic movements by adjusting its moment of inertia, thereby reducing peak forces during acceleration and deceleration phases of exercise
2Speed
If inert masses are accelerated quickly for dynamic movements, then exercise intensity is improved, but the same inert masses must be decelerated quickly creating harmful peak forces on joints and connective tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable weighted body creates a dynamic system where the mass can rotate during acceleration and deceleration. This dynamic configuration reduces the harmful peak forces on joints by allowing the mass to move independently rather than being rigidly fixed, enabling faster movements with lower impact
3Reliability
If rotational inertia is reduced to prevent injury, then safety is improved, but the device may become less effective for strength training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the system dynamic rather than static. The weighted body rotates about the handle, providing reduced rotational inertia for safety while still presenting sufficient resistance for effective strength training. The damping mechanism further allows customization of the resistance characteristics
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dumbbells are used for multi-joint dynamic exercises, then exercise coverage is maintained, but weaker joints and muscles can be overexerted and injured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the weighted body to rotate about the handle, creating a system that adapts to multi-joint movements. This dynamic configuration reduces the stress on weaker joints and muscles during complex exercises while maintaining the versatility to perform various strength training movements
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 reduces the risk of injury and enhances the safety and effectiveness of strength training by dynamically mitigating torsional and translational forces, allowing for more intense and controlled exercise without the need for bulky equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the weighted body contains a liquid that freely flows throughout the weighted body when the handheld exercise device is in motion
Implementation Method 2
the connector dampens one or more peak forces along a radial axis of a forearm engaging the handle during a punching motion based on a dampening action of the connector against the one or more peak forces
Implementation Method 3
the weighted body freely moves rotationally about the handle providing dampening thereby mitigating one or more forces acting on a body arranged along the radial axis of the weighted body
Data Source
AI summary
A apparatus or system defined by a handheld exercise device that includes a weighted body; a handle arranged along a radial axis of the weighted body; and a connector that creates at least one connection between each radially distal end of the handle and a component of the weighted body. The handheld exercise device, in use, minimizes one or more peak forces and rotational inertia acting on a forearm of a user actively engaging the handheld exercise device in motion.