Stretching Member Level Adjustment for Custom Joint Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The movable range of human joints decreases due to lack of exercise, injury, or aging, leading to increased risk of injuries and reduced motion function, and existing stretching apparatuses do not adequately accommodate individual physical characteristics or exercise purposes.

Innovation Solution

A stretching apparatus with an adjustable level mechanism, featuring an upward and downward adjustment module that can rotate within a certain angle range and be fixed or movable, allowing for customizable stretching positions based on user needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the stretching apparatus uses a fixed level structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to individual physical characteristics is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual physical characteristicsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stretching apparatus employs a dynamic level adjustment mechanism that allows the stretching member to be positioned at different heights along the support frame. The level adjustment module with guide slits and locking mechanisms enables users to dynamically change the stretching member's vertical position, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that accommodates various user heights and exercise requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stretching apparatus is designed with universal adaptability through its level adjustment system that can accommodate different user sizes and exercise types. The support frame with multiple adjustment positions and the rotatable stretching member create a multi-functional device that can perform various stretching exercises for different body parts and fitness levels, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stretching apparatus allows rotation within angle range, then the adaptability for different exercise purposes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different exercise purposesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stretching member is designed to rotate around a vertical axis within a specific angle range, transforming a static stretching position into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the stretching member to be oriented in different directions, enabling various stretching exercises for different muscle groups while maintaining structural simplicity through a single rotation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the upward and downward adjustment module is made movable, then the adaptability for level adjustment is improved, but the reliability of position fixation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for level adjustmentVSAvoidreliability of position fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The level adjustment module implements a dynamic system that can transition between movable and fixed states. During adjustment, the stretching member can be freely moved to different heights along the guide slits. Once positioned, the locking mechanism engages to fix the position, providing both adjustability and stability throughout the device's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the stretching member reaches a desired position, performing the fixation action preliminarily before the user releases the adjustment handle. This ensures that the position is securely locked without requiring additional user actions, maintaining both ease of adjustment and position reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 apparatus enhances joint mobility and flexibility by providing adjustable stretching positions suitable for individual physical characteristics, improving the effectiveness of stretching exercises.

Implementation Method 1

a first bearing located at each of both ends of the stretching member to be inserted into the guide slit, and a second bearing located at each of both ends of the stretching member to be inserted into the guide slit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

a second bearing located at each of both ends of the stretching member to be inserted into the guide slit and configured to rotate around the first bearing as an axis within the guide slit when the upward and downward adjustment module rotates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation: Axle

Implementation Method 3

One of the stretching member and the level support may include a locking protrusion supported in a locking manner and configured to fix a level of the upward and downward adjustment module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4420646B1Stretching apparatus and method of adjusting vertical level of level adjustment module in stretching apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 DRAX INC
  • EP4420646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4420646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4420646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stretching apparatus includes a body frame including a pair of support frames extending in parallel in upward and downward directions at a certain interval and a connection frame connecting the pair of support frames, an upward and downward adjustment module that is movable in upward and downward directions to adjust a level thereof in the upward and downward directions between the pair of support frames and rotatable within a certain angle range based on the upward and downward directions, and a level support fixed to an inner side of each of the pair of support frames and configured to allow upward and downward movements of the upward and downward adjustment module or limit a downward movement of the upward and downward adjustment module depending on a rotation angle of the upward and downward adjustment module.