Stretching Apparatus with Dual Support Members for Hamstring Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stretching hamstring muscles, such as those using trainers or existing exercise devices, often lack effective lateral stability and may put excessive pressure on the knee, leading to incomplete or unsafe stretching due to reliance on external force application and lack of user control.
Innovation Solution
A stretching apparatus that includes a first support member for the back of the knee and a second displaceable support member for the lower leg, actuated by the user, providing horizontal and vertical stability and allowing controlled stretching without the need for a trainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trainer applies stretching force to the person's leg, then the stretching effectiveness is improved, but the cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables the user to perform the stretching function themselves without requiring a trainer. The user positions their leg on the support members and uses their own body weight and muscle control to apply the stretching force, making the service self-performed and eliminating the need for external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical system of a trainer physically manipulating the leg is replaced with a self-operated mechanical system where the user's own body mechanics (muscle contraction, body weight) provide the stretching force through the apparatus structure.
2Ease of operation
If a cable and pulley system is used for self-stretching, then the need for a trainer is eliminated, but lateral stability and knee pressure control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple discrete support members (first support member for the thigh, second support member for the lower leg) rather than a single continuous cable-pulley system. Each support member provides localized stability and control, with the first support member preventing lateral movement and the second support member controlling the stretching action.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediaries between the user's body and the stretching force. Instead of direct cable-pulley contact with the leg, the support members mediate the interaction, providing stable contact points that prevent lateral movement while allowing controlled stretching motion.
3Device complexity
If the leg is stretched in a straight position, then the stretching action is simplified, but pressure on the knee ligaments and tendons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows dynamic adjustment of the leg position during stretching. The leg can be positioned at various angles relative to the thigh, and the second support member can be displaced to maintain optimal positioning throughout the stretching motion, preventing excessive knee pressure while maintaining stretching effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching parameters (leg angle, position of support members, amount of displacement) can be adjusted to optimize the stretching action. By changing these parameters, the user can achieve effective hamstring stretching without maintaining the leg in a fully straight position that would excessive knee pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stretching at least the hamstring muscle of a user's leg is provided having a first support member for supporting the back of the leg of the user at or near the knee at least at the commencement of stretching and a second support member for engaging the back of the lower leg portion of the user during stretching. This first support member is disposed in front of the user during stretching of the hamstring muscle of the user's leg and the second support member is displaceable generally in a direction to stretch the hamstring muscle of the user's leg. An actuator operable by the user during use of the apparatus can be used for displacing at least the second support member generally in a direction to cause stretching of at least the hamstring muscle of the user's leg.