Supine Exercise Machine with Anchoring Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines are not suitable for use by individuals in a supine position, particularly those on bed rest, due to instability and difficulty in movement between beds, and lack of upper limb exercise options.
Innovation Solution
A mobile exercise machine with a caster wheel base and anchoring system that raises wheels for stability, combined with a four-bar pivot linkage for height adjustment and a counterbalance mechanism, allowing for upper limb exercises while lying supine, and easily movable between beds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If exercise machines are mounted on stable structural bases that stand on the floor, then stability during exercise is improved, but mobility between beds is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure dynamically transitions between two states: mobile (with caster wheels on the ground) for transportation between beds, and stable (with anchoring feet deployed and wheels raised) during exercise. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by making the base adaptable to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is segmented into multiple functional components: caster wheels for mobility, anchoring feet for stability, and a mechanical linkage system that coordinates their relative positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the base to achieve both mobility and stability at different times.
2Reliability
If exercise machines are designed for standing or seated position, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but suitability for supine position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise machine is designed with universal adaptability to work effectively in supine position while maintaining exercise effectiveness. The support assembly and exercise device are configured to provide proper positioning and resistance mechanisms that function reliably regardless of user orientation, making the device suitable for supine exercise without compromising effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mounting fixture is designed for specific hospital bed, then stability during exercise is improved, but adaptability to different bed types is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base with caster wheels and anchoring feet is designed to be universally compatible with different hospital bed types. The base does not rely on bed-specific mounting fixtures but instead provides its own stable platform that can be positioned adjacent to various bed configurations, maintaining stability while adapting to different bed types.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine has a mobile base and an upright support extending upwards from the mobile base. An upper support assembly extends forward from an upper portion of the upright support and an exercise device is suspended from the upper support assembly at a location spaced forward from the upright support. The mobile base has caster wheels and can be positioned from either side of a bed so as to extend partially under a bed with the upright support located on one side of the bed and the exercise device suspended over the bed in a position accessible by a patient lying supine in the bed for performing exercise. An anchoring system resists movement of the base for stability when exercise is performed.