Segmented Exercise Cushion for Forward-Pitch Spine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat exercise mats do not effectively target and strengthen postural muscles used during movements like running or jumping, as they do not replicate the forward pitch of the upper body, limiting the muscle conditioning benefits for athletes performing exercises in a lying or horizontal position.
Innovation Solution
An exercise cushion designed to elevate specific body regions from a horizontal support surface, including the thoracic spine, shoulders, neck, and head, to simulate the forward pitch of the upper body during upright movements, allowing for effective targeting and strengthening of postural muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional flat exercise mat is used, then the mat can be conveniently carried and stored, but it does not replicate the forward pitch of the upper body during upright movement
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise mat is divided into multiple zones with different thicknesses: a first zone under the upper body with greater thickness to elevate it forward, and a second zone under the lower body with lesser thickness. This segmentation allows the mat to replicate the dynamic spine position while maintaining overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mat have different physical properties - the first zone has greater thickness and different density compared to the second zone. This local variation in quality enables the mat to provide specific support and elevation where needed to simulate upright posture during floor exercises.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the exercise mat is made thicker to provide better cushioning, then comfort is improved, but the mat takes up more floor space and becomes harder to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The mat uses segmented thickness zones rather than uniform thickness throughout. The first zone has greater thickness (e.g., 2-4 cm) for cushioning the upper body, while the second zone has lesser thickness (e.g., 1-2 cm) to minimize floor space and maintain portability. This allows differentiated protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat provides localized cushioning quality - thicker and softer under the upper body where protection from floor hardness is most needed, and thinner elsewhere to maintain convenience. This local quality variation optimizes both comfort and portability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the exercise mat uses a uniform thickness design, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot effectively target and strengthen specific postural muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is manufactured with segmented zones of different thicknesses - a first zone for upper body support and a second zone for lower body support. This segmentation can be achieved through conventional manufacturing techniques like multi-layer lamination or molded sections, balancing manufacturing simplicity with functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat incorporates local quality variations in thickness and density to target specific muscle groups. The thicker first zone elevates the upper body to promote posterior chain activation, while the thinner second zone allows proper pelvic positioning. This local differentiation enhances muscle conditioning effectiveness without requiring complex manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an exercise cushion (10) for at least partially supporting an individual on a substantially level support surface (8). The cushion 10 comprises a body configured to elevate a region extending from and including the head to the thoracic spine of the individual from the substantially level support surface (8).