Thigh Exerciser With Elastic Support And Upward Motion Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deterioration or injury affecting the muscles that move the thigh can lead to a decline in gait function, making it difficult for individuals to perform everyday tasks like climbing stairs or walking uphill, and may result in inability to walk if both legs are affected.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base, exerciser, upward motion limiter, position adjuster, compliant surface, and elastic support that provides resistance to help strengthen the muscles responsible for thigh movement, including the gluteal, lateral rotators, adductors, and iliopsoas muscles, by allowing users to perform exercises that improve strength and range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If resistance is provided to strengthen thigh muscles, then muscle strength improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: base, exerciser, upward motion limiter, position adjuster, compliant surface, and elastic support. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the device to provide resistance for muscle strengthening while maintaining modularity that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The exerciser with compliant surface and elastic support serves multiple functions: it provides resistance for thigh muscle strengthening, supports the foot during exercise, and allows adjustment of resistance levels through the position adjuster, making the device versatile for different exercise intensities and user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable resistance is provided, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position adjuster enables dynamic adjustment of the compliant surface position, allowing users to modify resistance levels based on their strength and exercise needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through a simple mechanical adjustment mechanism rather than complex electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in physical parameters such as the position of the compliant surface and the tension of the elastic support to adjust resistance levels. These parameter changes provide adaptability for different user capabilities while using straightforward mechanical adjustments.
3Reliability
If upward motion is limited, then safety improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The upward motion limiter prevents the exerciser from moving beyond a safe upward position before exercise begins. This safety feature is built into the device structure, automatically limiting motion without requiring user intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward motion limiter acts as an intermediary mechanical constraint between the user's foot and the exerciser mechanism. It safely restricts the range of motion to prevent injury while allowing full effective exercise movement within safe boundaries.
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 system effectively enhances muscle strength and balance by providing adjustable resistance and support, enabling users to improve their thigh movement capabilities and maintain or regain gait function.
Implementation Method 1
elastic support positioned by the position adjuster. In operation, the compliant surface provides resistance to a user's foot
Data Source
AI summary
A system for exercising muscles that move the thigh according to various aspects of the present invention provides a source of resistance, suitably positioned, for the user to use when forcing the thigh to return to its original standing position, for instance, returning the foot to the floor. Such a system may include a base and an exerciser. The exerciser may include a positioner and a compliant surface. The compliant surface may include an elastic support and a foot receiver. The positioner establishes an initial position of the foot receiver.