Tilting Inversion Exerciser With Sliding Torso Support for Neutral Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting inversion exercisers cause excessive extension of the lumbar spine, inhibit neutral spinal alignment, and result in ankle malalignment due to the inability of the torso section to slide independently of the pelvic section, leading to increased rotational pressures and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
The tilting inversion exerciser allows the torso section of the supporting table to slide independently of the pelvic section, incorporates an adjustable ankle alignment system for proper ankle-hip alignment, and supports the torso in an inclined posture using a torso wedge, thereby mitigating excessive extension forces and facilitating neutral spinal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting table is securely fastened to the frame (fixed pelvic section), then structural stability is improved, but excessive extension forces are generated causing lumbar spine arching and prohibiting neutral spinal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting table is divided into a fixed pelvic section and a movable torso section. The pelvic section remains securely fastened to provide stability, while the torso section can slide independently on rails to allow dynamic adjustment and reduce extension forces on the lumbar spine.
Solution Approach 2:
The torso section transitions from a fixed state to a dynamically movable state along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the torso section to slide forward and backward, creating a flexion moment that counteracts extension forces and enables neutral spinal alignment during inversion.
2Ease of operation
If the entire supporting table slides as a unit, then movement freedom is improved, but greater pull is placed on feet and ankles with minimal effect on spinal alignment or traction
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting table is segmented into fixed pelvic section and movable torso section. This segmentation allows the torso to slide independently, concentrating the mechanical effect on the spinal column rather than transmitting excessive force to the feet and ankles.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable torso section acts as an intermediary between the user's body weight and the spinal column. By sliding this intermediate section, the force is directly applied to create traction on the spine through the wedge mechanism, rather than pulling directly on the ankles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the torso section can slide independently of the pelvic section, then excessive extension forces are mitigated and neutral spinal alignment is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into fixed and movable sections connected by simple sliding mechanisms on rails, providing independent torso movement capability with relatively simple structural additions.
Solution Approach 2:
A wedge-shaped element is introduced as an intermediary between the movable torso section and the fixed pelvic section. This wedge creates the necessary flexion moment through its geometry when the torso slides, achieving extension force mitigation without complex mechanical systems.
4Device complexity
If ankle center is positioned behind hip center (typical configuration), then structural simplicity is maintained, but rotational pressures increase and ankle malalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle restraint device incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the ankle center to be dynamically repositioned relative to the hip center. This adjustability enables proper anatomical alignment while maintaining structural simplicity through straightforward mechanical adjustments.
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
This design achieves neutral spinal alignment, reduces rotational pressures, and enhances traction by allowing the torso to slide independently, aligning the ankle center with the hip center, and supporting the torso in an inclined posture, thus improving the inversion experience.
Implementation Method 1
The torso section/torso sled is allowed to slide independently of the fixed pelvic section of the supporting table along a longitudinal axis of the supporting table
Implementation Method 2
supporting the torso in an inclined posture using a torso wedge, thereby mitigating excessive extension forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a tilting inversion exerciser that includes a plastic user supporting table having a carrier frame rotatably attached to a foldable base support for allowing a user and a user supporting table to be rotated and inverted relative to the base support. More specifically, this invention relates to a typical tilting inversion exerciser having an adjustable ankle alignment system to make linear adjustments of ankle center of a user relative to hip center of a user. Further, the present invention allows for the torso section of the supporting table to slide independently of the pelvic section of the supporting table and for the torso of a user to be supported in an inclined posture by means of an inclined foam wedge.