String-Coated Balance Beam with Removable Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balance training solutions face challenges in providing a reliable and easily installable indoor balance beam that replicates the effect of tightrope walking, particularly in maintaining sufficient tension and versatility for indoor use without damaging surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A balance beam system comprising a round beam portion covered with string and a removable base portion for mounting on surfaces, allowing for easy installation and connection of multiple beams with string-coated coupling elements to create a movable and adjustable balance course.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rope is suspended for tightrope walking, then balance training effect is achieved, but reliable suspension and sufficient tension are difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of suspensionVSAvoidcomplexity of suspension system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces base portions as intermediary elements that mediate between the beam and the mounting surface. These base portions provide a stable interface that ensures reliable suspension without requiring complex tensioning mechanisms, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The balance beam system is segmented into distinct components: beam portions, base portions, and mounting surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base portions handle the suspension reliability while the beam portions focus on balance training, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If ground-mounted balance beams with legs embedded in ground are used, then stable balance training is achieved, but installation is permanent and not suitable for indoor use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of balance beamVSAvoidadaptability to different locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base portions are designed to be removable and repositionable rather than permanently fixed. This dynamic characteristic allows the balance beam to be relocated indoors or outdoors as needed, achieving versatility while maintaining stability during use through the secure connection between base portions and mounting surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base portions are designed to work with various mounting surfaces (ground, indoor floors, walls) without requiring location-specific modifications. This universal design enables the same balance beam system to be used in multiple locations and configurations, achieving both stability and adaptability.

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

3Productivity

If a rigid balance beam is used for indoor training, then quick deployment is achieved, but damage to floor or wall surfaces may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoiddamage to mounting surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base portions serve as intermediary elements between the rigid beam structure and the mounting surface. They distribute the contact pressure over a larger area and provide a protective interface that prevents direct damage to floor or wall surfaces while enabling quick deployment without complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple balance beams are connected to form a balance course, then training versatility is improved, but connection reliability and structural integrity become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of balance courseVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The balance course is segmented into modular beam units that can be independently connected. Each connection point uses standardized base portions and coupling mechanisms, allowing versatile course configurations while maintaining consistent connection reliability across all joints through repeated proven connection designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3558473B1Balance beam and balance course for body exercise
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 TIIMATAITO
  • EP3558473B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~4

AI summary

The application relates to a balance beam (100) for body exercise according to one embodiment. The beam comprises a beam portion (101, 411, 412) and a base portion (102, 103, 104, 205) for propping the beam on a mounting surface. The beam portion is round in its cross-section. The beam portion is covered with string and the base portion is supportable on top of a mounting surface in a removable manner so as to make the beam a movable one.