Semi-Floating Aquatic Exercise Structure with Turbine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-based exercise devices either lack the ability to perform physical exercises in a completely submerged manner safely or fail to provide a playful experience due to stability issues and limited hydraulic resistance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-floating structure with a U-shaped floating element supporting the user's neck, connected to a turbine propulsion system and pedal-driven mechanism, allowing for submerged exercise while maintaining the user's head above water, and an optional assembly for use on the pool bottom for varied exercise options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stationary device is placed at the bottom of the pool, then hydraulic resistance is provided for exercise, but the device lacks playfulness and user engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a stationary fixed structure to a mobile floating structure that can move freely on water. The propulsion system allows the user to propel the device forward, creating a dynamic exercise experience that combines cardiovascular activity with muscle strengthening, thereby enhancing both playfulness and exercise effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions: it provides hydraulic resistance through water immersion, enables propulsion exercise through pedal operation, offers buoyancy support to keep the user afloat, and creates a playful moving experience. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both exercise effectiveness and playfulness into a single system
2Device complexity
If the user is supported only by the pelvis, then the device can be simpler, but the user must make significant effort to keep their head above water
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses buoyancy force from the floating structure to counteract the user's weight and support the head and upper body. This eliminates the need for the user to actively maintain head position above water, reducing exercise difficulty while maintaining device simplicity through passive buoyant support
3Ease of manufacture
If the legs are not completely submerged, then the device is easier to design, but the hydraulic resistance effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device design allows complete submersion of the legs by positioning the pedal mechanism and user seating to enable full leg immersion in water. This parameter change (from partial to complete submersion) maximizes hydraulic resistance for exercise effectiveness while maintaining reasonable device design through proper dimensional planning
4Reliability
If a floating structure is used for recreation, then user safety is improved, but the structure cannot provide physical exercise functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges recreational floating safety with exercise functionality by integrating a pedal-driven propulsion system into a floating structure. The floating element provides passive safety and head support, while the pedal mechanism provides active exercise, creating a unified system that delivers both safety and exercise functionality simultaneously
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
Enables safe, playful, and effective physical exercises of the lower limbs in water with complete submersion, eliminating the need for users to keep their head above water and maximizing hydraulic resistance, while offering versatility in exercise positions and environments.
Implementation Method 1
the propulsion means are made up of a turbine associated with a shell or housing
Implementation Method 2
the transverse base of which is capable of supporting the neck and/or the head of the user
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Structure intended to carry out physical exercises in a liquid medium (swimming pool, rivers, oceans), of the type comprising: - at least one element capable of ensuring at least partial flotation of the user; - hydraulic propulsion means, such as a propeller or paddle wheel, connected to mechanical drive means capable of being actuated by the user's legs; - means for supporting or resting at least one part of the user's body; characterized in that said floating element serves as support or rest for at least one part of the user's back, and in that the hydraulic propulsion means and the mechanical drive means on the one hand are removably connected to the flotation element.