Segmented Mobility Mat With Assistive Holds for Exercise Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatus, such as yoga mats, lack assistive features that help users perform progressive movements, maintain balance, and target specific body parts, leading to increased risk of injury and limited exercise versatility.
Innovation Solution
A mobility mat with segments, hand and foot holds, and a contoured cushion, optionally combined with an orthopedic device, providing additional support and versatility for various exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing yoga mats provide basic structure for free-standing exercises, then the equipment is simple and easy to use, but the exercise versatility and safety are limited due to lack of assistive features
Solution Approach 1:
The yoga mat is divided into multiple segments including a head segment, body segment, and limb segments. Each segment can be independently positioned and supported by connectors, allowing the mat to adapt to various exercise positions and body configurations, thereby increasing exercise versatility without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire mat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors are integrated within or attached to the mat segments, creating a nested structure where support elements are contained within the mat itself. This allows the mat to provide multiple functions (support, connection, positioning) without adding external complexity that would compromise portability or simplicity.
2Reliability
If users perform unassisted movements without assistive features, then the equipment remains simple, but the risk of injury increases due to instability and improper joint and muscle load
Solution Approach 1:
The mat segments and connectors are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations to provide immediate support for common exercise positions. The head segment, body segment, and limb segments are positioned beforehand to bear specific loads, preventing injury before it occurs by establishing proper joint and muscle loading from the start of the exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors serve as intermediary elements between the mat segments and the user's body or exercise equipment. These connectors distribute forces and provide stable attachment points, mediating the interaction between the user and the mat to prevent direct stress on vulnerable joints and muscles while maintaining simplicity of the overall system.
3Force
If heavy metal weights are used to supplement unassisted movements, then the exercise intensity increases, but the appropriate force cannot be determined leading to additional injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mat segments and connectors can be configured to provide variable levels of support and resistance. By adjusting the positioning and connection of segments, the system can adapt the force parameters to match the user's exercise needs, allowing controlled progression from low to high intensity without the abrupt force changes associated with heavy metal weights.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus with a mobility mat and an orthopedic device. The mobility mat can have a plurality of segments or have a single piece construction. The mobility mat includes a body provided with a plurality of assistive features, such as hand holds, foot holds, resistance bands, various exercise grips, and a contoured cushion. These assistive features can be removably attached to the mobility mat using grommets formed in the mat body and holding tabs that can be secured in the grommets. The mobility mat can be further configured to couple with the orthopedic device. The orthopedic device can have an inclined face and a plurality of remaining faces including various additional assistive features.