Suspended Footrest With Pivoting Supports for Passive Desk Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices for desk use require active participation, distracting users while they work or study, and do not provide calorie burn when not actively exercising.
Innovation Solution
A suspended footrest device with pivotally connected footrests and a non-rigid suspension member, allowing for passive movement and exercise, which can be installed in any location, including a chair, to provide subtle muscular contractions and movement without visible effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If active exercise devices are used at a desk, then exercise benefits are achieved, but user focus and productivity deteriorate due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension footrest is designed to provide passive exercise through its inherent suspension mechanism. The device automatically creates instability and requires minimal user input - simply placing feet on the footrest activates the exercise effect through subtle adjustments and movements, eliminating the need for active participation while maintaining exercise benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest incorporates a suspension system with multiple degrees of freedom that allows dynamic movement in response to user weight and position. The device adapts to user movements automatically, providing continuous passive exercise without requiring active control, thus maintaining productivity while delivering exercise benefits
2Ease of operation
If passive exercise device is used, then user focus is maintained, but exercise effectiveness deteriorates without active participation
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension footrest creates controlled vibrations and oscillations through its suspension mechanism. As users place their feet on the footrest, the unstable suspension causes subtle vibrations that engage core and leg muscles passively, generating calorie burn without requiring active exercise participation
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses suspension members that create counterbalancing forces against user weight. This counterweight effect generates instability that requires continuous minor muscular adjustments to maintain foot position, providing passive exercise and calorie expenditure while the user remains focused on work
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid footrest is used, then structural stability is achieved, but movement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest employs a suspension system with controlled degrees of freedom that provides stability in the suspension direction while allowing movement in other directions. The rigid footrest platform maintains structural integrity, while the suspension members enable dynamic movement and exercise capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the rigid footrest platform from the suspension mechanism. The footrest itself remains structurally stable and rigid, while the suspension members connected to fixed locations provide the necessary movement capability and exercise effect
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
Enables unconscious exercise, reducing the risk of postural fixity and obesity by promoting subtle movement and calorie burn while allowing users to work or study without distraction, providing a means to monitor and quantify the exercise through optional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension member may be either elastic or inelastic
Implementation Method 2
a ball-and-socket joint connected between each footrest and the respective end of the rigid elongated member to allow pivotal movement
Implementation Method 3
a damper positioned between each footrest and the respective end of the rigid elongated member for dampening the pivotal movement of the ball-and-socket joint
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended footrest device for supporting and exercising a user's feet and legs. The footrest device includes a pair of footrests that are pivotally connected to the opposed ends of a rigid elongated member. A non-rigid suspension member is connected to a medial section of the elongated member to suspend the footrests. The footrests are pivotally connected to the rigid elongated member.