Yoga Block Inner Support and Biodegradable Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional yoga blocks are often made from petrochemical-based materials that are not environmentally friendly or sustainable, lacking eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A yoga block with a cuboid shape and beveled or rounded edges, featuring an inner support made from recycled, recyclable, bio-based, biodegradable, and petrochemical-free materials, such as paper or paper pulp products, treated with hydrophobic and grip-enhancing coatings to improve durability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional yoga blocks are made from petrochemical-based foam, polyurethane-impregnated cork, or wood, then structural integrity and durability are achieved, but environmental friendliness and sustainability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional petrochemical-based foam to bio-based materials such as molded pulp, recycled paper, or plant-based foams. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity needed for yoga block functionality while improving environmental sustainability and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures, such as combining molded pulp with biodegradable adhesives, or layering different bio-based materials to achieve the necessary mechanical properties. This allows the block to maintain durability and structural support while using environmentally friendly materials throughout.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If yoga blocks are made from biodegradable and recycled materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but material durability and water resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biodegradable coatings or treatments as intermediary layers on the surface of the bio-based block materials. These coatings provide water resistance and enhanced durability while remaining environmentally compatible, thus protecting the underlying biodegradable material without compromising sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the bio-based materials through controlled processing, such as density adjustment, compression, or thermal treatment, to enhance their inherent durability and water resistance while maintaining their biodegradable nature.
3Ease of operation
If edges and corners are beveled or rounded to prevent injury, then safety and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates beveled edges and rounded corners directly into the mold design during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action allows the safety features to be formed automatically as part of the basic shaping process, avoiding the need for separate post-processing steps and minimizing manufacturing complexity.
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 solution provides a sustainable and eco-friendly yoga block that maintains structural integrity and grip, addressing the environmental concerns of traditional blocks while ensuring performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The block outer surface is treated with a biodegradable and hydrophobic material
Data Source
AI summary
A yoga block includes a plurality of block panels defining a block outer surface substantially conforming to a cuboid shape with beveled or rounded edges and corners. An inner support interfaces with a plurality of inner surfaces of a portion of the plurality of block panels. The inner support includes a plurality of cross members oriented parallel and diagonally relative to sides of the cuboid shape. The plurality of block panels and the inner support are formed of a biodegradable or recycled material. The block outer surface may be treated with a biodegradable and hydrophobic material.