Thigh Exerciser With 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 activities like walking uphill or climbing stairs, and muscle exercise is necessary to improve strength and range of motion in these muscles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base, an exerciser with a compliant surface and upward motion limiter, which provides resistance and adjusts to accommodate different users, helping to strengthen the muscles that move the thigh by simulating the action of lifting the leg against resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If resistance is provided to exercise thigh muscles, then muscle strength improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exerciser is divided into separate functional components: a base for stability, an exerciser mechanism for resistance provision, and an upward motion limiter for safety. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system effectiveness for improving muscle strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating, with the upward motion limiter automatically preventing excessive upward movement without requiring external control or complex electronic systems. The exerciser provides resistance through its mechanical design alone, eliminating the need for powered assistance or complex control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is made adjustable for different users, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exerciser is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple users with different ability levels through simple mechanical adjustments. The position adjuster allows the same device to serve different functional needs without requiring multiple specialized devices, achieving versatility through a single multi-functional mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different users. The position adjuster enables mechanical reconfiguration of the exerciser's components to match user-specific requirements, providing adaptability through dynamic mechanical adjustment rather than complex electronic control or multiple fixed configurations.
3Ease of operation
If support is provided during exercise, then safety and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upward motion limiter is pre-configured to automatically prevent excessive upward movement of the exerciser, providing safety cushioning before any harmful motion can occur. This passive safety mechanism eliminates the need for active monitoring systems, emergency stop buttons, or complex control algorithms, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring user safety.
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 improves muscle strength, range of motion, and balance by providing adjustable resistance and support, enabling users to perform exercises that enhance thigh movement capability and maintain healthy gait function.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic support (210, 211) suspends the compliant surface (208)
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, an exerciser, and an upward motion limiter. The exerciser may include a position adjuster and a compliant surface. The compliant surface may include an elastic support and a foot receiver. The upward motion limiter may be mechanically coupled to any part of the exerciser to protect the user from unintended, perhaps sudden, release of energy, for example, from the elastic support.