Rotator Cuff Exercise Device With Segmented Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise therapy equipment lacks an effective solution for exercising the rotator cuff muscles and joints, particularly after injuries, and does not adequately prevent flexibility loss in elbow or shoulder blade areas.
Innovation Solution
A rotator cuff exercise device comprising a ring unit with detachable rotatable rings, stationary rings, and adjustable resistance tabs, which allows for circular motion exercises with variable resistance, supported by a mounting board that can be vertically adjusted within mounting tracks, and equipped with sensors and a microprocessor for monitoring and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current exercise therapy equipment is used, then general muscle exercise is possible, but effective rotator cuff muscle and joint exercise cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the exercise function into multiple independent rotatable rings (first rotatable ring, second rotatable ring) that can be independently manipulated. Each ring can be rotated separately to target different aspects of rotator cuff movement, enabling specialized exercise capabilities that general equipment cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple rotatable rings with varying resistance mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of exercise intensity and movement patterns. The resistance tabs and spring elements enable the system to adapt to different rehabilitation stages and user capabilities, providing effective rotator cuff exercise that static equipment cannot achieve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable rotatable rings are used, then handle coupling flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as a universal component that can detachably couple to multiple different rotatable rings. This single handle design serves multiple functions by interfacing with various rings, allowing users to switch between different exercise configurations without needing multiple specialized handles, thus managing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable coupling mechanism allows the system to dynamically reconfigure based on exercise requirements. Users can attach and detach handles from different rings as needed, providing adaptability without permanently increasing complexity through fixed multi-component assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If stationary rings adjacent to rotatable ring are used, then rotation guidance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary rings are positioned adjacent to and concentric with the rotatable rings, creating a nested circular geometry. This curved, concentric arrangement naturally guides the rotation path of the rotatable rings through geometric constraint, providing intuitive motion guidance without requiring complex mechanical guides or alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring unit is segmented into stationary and rotatable components that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation allows each ring type to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while still achieving the guidance function through their relative positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If resistance tabs are added, then exercise resistance adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance tabs modify the exercise resistance by changing physical parameters such as friction contact or spring pre-tension. By adjusting the position or engagement of these tabs, users can vary resistance levels without changing the fundamental mechanical structure, achieving adaptability through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance tabs provide incremental resistance adjustment through partial engagement with the rotatable rings. Rather than requiring a complete redesign of the resistance mechanism, the tabs add selective resistance elements that can be engaged or disengaged as needed, providing adjustability with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The rotator cuff exercise device includes a ring unit, a mounting board, and a pair of mounting tracks. The rotator cuff exercise device may be adapted to exercise joints and muscles or may prevent the loss of flexibility in an elbow or a shoulder blade. The rotator cuff exercise device may be particularly suited for therapy after an injury involving a rotator cuff. A handle may detachably couple to an individual rotatable ring selected from one or more rotatable rings of the ring unit and may be adapted to be grasped by a hand of the user. The handle may be operable to move the individual rotatable ring in a circular motion. The circular motion of the handle may exercise the joints and muscles of the user.