Segmented Foam Blocks for Heel Raise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calf raise exercises often result in compensatory movements due to the design of the human body and lack of proper training, leading to inefficient joint alignment and increased risk of injury, with existing solutions like double-legged heel raises with toes pointed outward being inadequate in reducing rotational and eversion/inversion movements, especially for single-leg variations.
Innovation Solution
The use of portable blocks made of high-density, closed-cell foam with varying heights and divided top surfaces, allowing users to perform heel raises with minimal compensatory movements by engaging the medial arch of the foot, thereby reducing leg and ankle rotation and eversion/inversion, and incorporating elastic bands for resistance to enhance proper form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional heel raise exercises are performed without assistance devices, then the exercise can be performed with simple equipment, but compensatory movements (leg rotation, foot eversion/inversion) occur excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (block with raised edge) positioned between the foot and the ground. This mediator structure guides the foot into proper alignment by providing a physical reference point that prevents excessive rotation and eversion/inversion movements, thereby reducing compensatory movements while maintaining exercise simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems (such as specialized gym equipment with multiple adjustment mechanisms) with a simple geometric block structure. The raised edge of the block substitutes for complex mechanical guides, providing alignment through basic geometric constraints rather than elaborate mechanical systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If double-legged heel raises with toes pointed outward are used to reduce compensatory movements, then some rotational movements are reduced, but the solution is inadequate for single-leg variations and does not fully eliminate compensatory movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment function into two independent components: the block provides medial-lateral alignment guidance while the raised edge provides anterior-posterior alignment guidance. This segmentation allows the same device to effectively control compensatory movements in both double-legged and single-leg variations, enhancing adaptability across different exercise formats
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the user actively control foot positioning (which is difficult for novices), the patent inverts the approach by having the passive block structure actively guide the foot into correct position. The raised edge physically prevents improper positioning, making proper form achievable even for users lacking motor control
3Reliability
If heel raises are performed with proper form requiring medial arch engagement, then joint stability and alignment improve, but the exercise becomes more difficult to execute correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment action by positioning the foot on the block with the raised edge before the exercise begins. This pre-positioning ensures that the medial arch is already engaged and the foot is in the correct alignment posture before the heel raise movement starts, making proper form execution easier and more reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive geometric block as a temporary alignment aid during the exercise. This disposable-like structure provides the necessary alignment guidance without requiring complex, expensive, or permanent equipment modifications, making proper form accessible to all users
Data Source
AI summary
Portable blocks of high density, closed cell foam each with a different height, in progression from shortest to tallest. The taller blocks have tops divided in half width-wise, creating an upper and lower surface. As such, a user engages the blocks with a foot of the user straddling the upper half and the lower half; wherein upon a heel raise of the user upon the block, plantar and dorsiflexion movement is achieved substantially devoid of pronation and supination.