Assistive Stretching Harness with Pulley Force Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stretching the anterior muscles and ligaments, such as the McKenzie approach, are limited by the need for manual assistance which leads to physical stress on the user and limited portability, making it difficult to perform effective and sustained stretches, especially for individuals with muscle and ligament imbalances caused by prolonged sitting or repetitive bending.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable harness with a pulley system and adjustable attachments for the user's wrists and ankles, allowing for differential stretching and reduced physical stress by redirecting lifting forces, enabling sustained and customizable stretches for anterior musculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assistance is used to perform stretching exercises, then the stretching can be performed without specialized equipment, but the user experiences physical stress and fatigue that limits the duration and effectiveness of the stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harness system with pulleys and weights as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the stretching force. Instead of relying on manual assistance or direct muscle effort, the harness provides a mechanical mediator that delivers controlled stretching force through the individual's body, reducing physical stress on the user while enabling sustained stretches.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service stretching by allowing the individual to perform the stretch independently without requiring another person to manually assist. The automated mechanical system replaces the need for manual intervention, letting the individual control and maintain the stretch position autonomously.
2Reliability
If a large stretching device is used to provide effective stretches, then the stretching effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes difficult to transport and takes up large space
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching device is segmented into separate functional components: a wearable harness, a pulley system, and detachable weights. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled into smaller, more portable parts while maintaining the effectiveness of each component. The harness can be worn by the individual, and the pulley system with weights can be stored separately when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a stationary, space-consuming stretching device to a portable system that can be used in multiple locations. By redesigning the device to be transportable and adaptable to different environments, it adds the dimension of mobility and versatility, allowing effective stretches to be performed anywhere rather than being confined to a fixed location.
3Reliability
If the user attempts to maintain tension-free body during McKenzie approach, then the stretching effect is improved, but the user's natural tendency to use muscle tension negates the stretching benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system acts as an intermediary that provides external support and positioning, reducing the need for the user to actively maintain a tension-free posture. The mechanical structure of the harness and pulley system helps hold the body in the correct stretched position, allowing the user to relax rather than actively control muscle tension.
4Reliability
If the user performs McKenzie approach with arm strength, then the stretch can be achieved, but arm fatigue prevents sustained engagement of the stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological mechanical system (arm muscles) with an automated mechanical system (pulley and weight system). Instead of relying on arm strength to hold the stretch position, the device uses gravitational force on the weights through the pulley mechanism to provide and maintain the stretching force, eliminating arm fatigue and enabling sustained stretches.
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
The device effectively reduces physical stress on the user while providing a sustained and customizable stretch to the anterior muscles and ligaments, addressing the limitations of existing methods by allowing for efficient and portable application, thereby alleviating muscle and ligament imbalances.
Implementation Method 1
A compact and portable harness with a pulley system and adjustable attachments for the user's wrists and ankles, allowing for differential stretching and reduced physical stress by redirecting lifting forces
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive stretching device worn by a user to reduce physical stress while lifting to aid another individual in stretching and method is disclosed. The device includes a belt sized to fit around the torso of the user, first and second pulleys supported on the belt, first and second wrist attachments; first and second ankle attachments; first and second cords threaded through corresponding pulleys with one end attached to corresponding ankle attachments and the opposite end attached to corresponding wrist attachments. The pulleys operate to change the direction of the lifting force, making it easier to lift and stretch the anterior aspects of the musculature of the individual rather than lifting dead weight. An attachment including a dual pulley system may replace the first and second pulleys and includes an arm supporting a pulley at each end and openings to provide leverage adjustments when attaching the arm to the belt.