Sliding Balance Board With Eccentric Wheel and Sprag Clutch Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balance boards are unable to facilitate cardiovascular exercises while training balancing ability and core muscle development.
Innovation Solution
A sliding balance board with an eccentrically mounted center wheel and one-way sprag clutch bearings at each end, allowing users to balance and shift weight to slide the board, combining balancing and cardiovascular exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional balance board with a pivotable central balancing member is used, then the user's balancing ability and core muscles are trained, but the user cannot perform cardiovascular exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The balance board is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in balance mode with the eccentric wheel as a pivotable central balancing member for core muscle training, and in sliding mode with the end wheels contacting the ground for cardiovascular exercises. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate equipment for different exercise types.
Solution Approach 2:
The board transitions between different operational states dynamically. The eccentric wheel can function as a pivotable balancing member or as a driving wheel depending on user weight distribution. The end wheels can be elevated off the ground or contact the ground based on board tilt angle, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical configuration during use without requiring manual adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the board is tilted to slide during cardiovascular exercise, then cardiovascular exercise is enabled, but the user's balance training effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The board dynamically adjusts its contact configuration with the ground based on tilt angle. When tilted within a certain range, the end wheels contact the ground to enable sliding motion for cardiovascular exercise. When returned to a more level position, the end wheels lift off and the eccentric wheel becomes the pivotable central balancing member, restoring optimal conditions for balance training. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for different exercise modes as needed.
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 effective development of core muscles and cardiovascular exercise through synchronized rocking motion and weight shifting, enhancing user balance and cardiovascular benefits.
Implementation Method 1
two wheels with one-way sprag clutch bearings, each of which being mounted near the left end of the board and near the right end of the board
Implementation Method 2
a wheel which axle is eccentrically affixed and being mounted in the center of the board
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding balance board has an eccentrically mounted center wheel as a pivotable central balancing member, a wheel with one-way sprag clutch bearings mounted near the left end of the board and a wheel with one-way sprag clutch bearings mounted near the right end of the board. A user balances himself/herself on the board, and yet slides the board to the left and right, back and forth by shifting his/her weight left and right, synchronized to the rocking motion of the eccentrically mounted center wheel.