Wearable Resistance Brace With Adjustable Friction Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment is bulky, heavy, non-portable, and occupies space, limiting its use due to the need for hands-on interaction, and is not easily adjustable or affordable for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A wearable resistance brace with a hinged arm assembly featuring a polycentric hinge mechanism and adjustable compression members that can be easily attached to body joints, allowing for resistance in multiple directions without occupying the hands, and is lightweight and affordable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If free weights are used for exercise, then muscle resistance training is achieved, but the device is bulky, heavy, and cannot be transported easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional free weight mechanical system with a spring-based elastic mechanism. The spring element stores and releases mechanical energy to provide resistance force, eliminating the need for heavy weights while maintaining the resistance training function. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by providing force without the associated weight.
2Force
If free weights are used for exercise, then muscle resistance training is achieved, but the device occupies hands and prevents engagement in other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the exercise mechanism from hand-held (one-dimensional grip) to body-worn (distributed across body parts). By attaching the resistance mechanism to the body rather than requiring hand grip, the design enables hand freedom while maintaining resistance training effectiveness through body movement.
3Force
If exercise machines are used for muscle training, then targeted muscle resistance is achieved, but the equipment is not portable and takes up large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exercise equipment into separate functional components: spring elements for resistance, body attachments for mounting, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to be distributed across the body rather than requiring a single large stationary structure, effectively reducing the space occupation while maintaining resistance training capability.
4Force
If free weights are used for exercise, then resistance training is achieved, but the device is not readily adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the resistance system to be easily reconfigured. The spring elements can be selectively engaged or disengaged, and attachment points can be repositioned, enabling the resistance force to be adjusted without changing the fundamental structure. This dynamic design provides versatility while maintaining simplicity.
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 effective muscle building and toning without the need for dedicated space, allowing users to engage in daily activities while providing adjustable resistance for varied muscle groups, promoting muscle growth and bone strength.
Implementation Method 1
a compression member coupled with the first and the second plates such that the compression member compresses the first and second plates against the first and second geared ends so as to frictionally impede movement of the first and second splints relative to the first and second plates
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance brace includes a pair of hinged arms having plates cooperating with one another to define a first and second pivots point separated from one another by a distance. A pair of splints having limb-attachment portions and geared ends engaged with one another and pivotably coupled with the plates at the pivot points. An adjustable compression member is coupled with the plates to compress the plates against the geared ends so as to frictionally impede movement of the splints relative to the plates. A joint harness is coupled with the hinged arms to attach the resistance brace to a joint of a body so that the hinged arms are positioned on opposing sides of the joint relative to a plane of rotation of the joint. Attachment members are coupled with the splints to attach the resistance brace to a first and second body portions extending from the joint.