Segmented Elastic Exercise Band with Preformed Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resistive exercise devices often cause damage and discomfort due to the need for knots or constricting loops, which can be difficult for users, especially the elderly or those with hand or foot injuries, to manage, leading to ineffective use and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A series of flexible, preformed elastic loops joined end-to-end, allowing for easy use without reconfiguration, providing reduced slip and comfort by contouring to user anatomy and objects, and manufactured for ease of production with minimal user modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If knots or constricting loops are used to create handles on conventional exercise bands, then the band can be gripped more easily, but the band may be damaged and cause localized pressure on the hand or foot area
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise band is divided into multiple discrete loops of varying sizes along its length, allowing users to select appropriate loop sizes for different exercises and body parts without requiring knots or constricting sections. Each loop functions as an independent handle or attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the band have different loop sizes and configurations tailored to specific uses - smaller loops for hand grips, larger loops for foot placement or broader body parts. This localized differentiation optimizes comfort and functionality for each body region without compromising the overall band integrity.
2Ease of operation
If users loop the band multiple times around their hand or foot to maintain grip, then the band can be held securely, but this increases the complexity of use and may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The loops are pre-formed and integrated into the band during manufacturing, eliminating the need for users to tie knots or create their own loops. The appropriate loop size and configuration are prepared in advance for each specific use case, reducing user complexity while maintaining secure grip.
3Ease of operation
If special handles are attached separately to the exercise device, then user comfort is improved, but additional cost and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle functionality is merged directly into the band structure through the integration of loops at various positions along the band. The loops serve dual purposes as both structural elements of the band and as ergonomic handles for gripping, eliminating the need for separate handle attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The loops serve multiple functions - they act as handles for gripping, attachment points for exercises, and can be selected based on body part size. This multi-functionality is built into the basic band structure, avoiding the need for specialized components.
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 enables efficient and comfortable exercise by reducing the need for knots, providing secure grip, and accommodating various anatomical dimensions, promoting user compliance and safety through intuitive and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
resistive exercising has long been incorporated into athletic training and therapeutic regimens
Implementation Method 2
elastic resistive exercise device including a series of two or more loops
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise device includes a first elastic loop portion defining a first continuous loop, the first elastic loop portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, opposite the inner surface. The exercise device further includes a second elastic loop portion defining a second continuous loop, the second elastic loop portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, opposite the inner surface. A joining region is located where the outer surface of the first elastic loop portion is attached to the outer surface of the second elastic loop portion, and the joining region is capable of simultaneous multidirectional stretching when subjected to or released from an applied load.