Orthopedic seat cushion correcting posture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat cushion designed to protect the spine from degeneration by distributing the load on the facet joints under pressure in patients with major lumbar region scoliosis and to reduce pain by distributing the load in patients with facet joint degeneration, characterized in that it has at least one vibration motor (1) fixed inside the cushion, a pressure zone (2) that contains at least one pressure sensor and generates data according to the user's sitting position, a slope (3) formed between both pressure zones (2), a processor that processes the data from the pressure zone (2) and performs posture analysis through the software therein, a Wi-Fi module or Bluetooth module that wirelessly transmits the data generated by the processor to a computer, server or mobile phone, and a mobile application that creates a pressure map and posture graph by visualizing the data from the processor.

Description

[0001] ORTHOPEDIC SEAT CUSHION CORRECTING POSTURE

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] The present invention relates to a seat cushion designed to protect the spine from degeneration by distributing the load on the facet joints under pressure in patients with major lumbar region scoliosis and to reduce pain by distributing the load in patients with facet joint degeneration.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. Normally, the spine should be straight, but in scoliosis, the spine curves into an “S” or “C” shape. This condition can cause the spine to bend sideways and some of the vertebrae to rotate around their own axis.

[0006] Scoliosis usually appears during childhood or adolescence, but it can develop at any age. Mild cases of scoliosis usually do not cause noticeable symptoms and may only require regular monitoring. However, more serious cases may present with symptoms such as back pain, imbalance, and breathing difficulties, and treatment may be necessary in these cases. Treatment options include exercises, corset use, and surgery in severe cases.

[0007] Corset Use: Corset treatment is particularly effective in patients with ongoing skeletal maturation (Risser stage). However, compliance with treatment is difficult due to reasons such as duration of use and discomfort.

[0008] Exercise Programs: It requires active participation from patients and can often be difficult to implement regularly. Existing orthopedic cushions and smart cushion systems generally provide passive support or monitor sitting position using pressure sensors, but they do not incorporate specific therapeutic features for spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

[0009] Vibratory therapy devices are used to increase bone density and support musculoskeletal health, but they are not integrated with the seat cushion. Virtual reality (VR) technology, on the other hand, is applied as separate devices for physical rehabilitation and posture correction, and is not directly integrated with the seat cushion. Among similar patents, there are air pressure-controlled systems that monitor and correct sitting position, orthopedic cushions with pressure sensors, and vibratory therapy devices; however, these technologies do not combine VR integration with improved bone mineral density and posture-correcting features. Additionally, academic publications examine the effects of VR technology on rehabilitation, but do not cover seat cushion integration.

[0010] The patent application TR201913574 describes the SDS scoliosis seat system. The invention is a mechanism that allows a person to sit properly without developing scoliosis (C or S shape) thanks to supports attached to the person's body without bending or sliding back and forth. Said system consists entirely of mechanical components and aims to correct posture by securing the person with a set of straps and belts. However, said invention is not a preferable structure for fixing the person in place during posture correction, both in terms of comfort and because the invention is not ergonomic.

[0011] Patent application TR201820285 describes a feedback system for scoliosis orthoses. The present invention relates to a feedback system that enables the patient to perform thoracic expansion (lung ventilation) and active correction (curvature correction effect), which have a therapeutic effect in scoliosis (spinal curvature) orthoses.

[0012] As a result, there is a need for a new technology that can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0013] Description of the Invention:

[0014] The present invention is a customized seat system designed to protect the spine from degeneration by distributing the load on the facet joints under pressure in patients with major lumbar region scoliosis and to reduce pain by distributing the load in patients with facet joint degeneration. It is the object to correct lumbopelvic rhythm and thus sagittal balance (natural cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis) by measuring pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence and sagittal vertical axis during sitting. It also corrects axial balance by assessing the vertebral rotation angle during sitting.

[0015] The product of the invention calculates load distribution using pressure sensors, and aims to monitor the user's sitting position in real time and to contribute positively to the treatment process. Pressure sensors and processor-encoded software instantly detect potential posture problems. The data obtained is converted into a posture pressure map via the processor, and this map is communicated to the user via VR headsets or a mobile phone. This feature provides the user with continuous and instant feedback, offering great convenience for correcting and maintaining their posture.

[0016] With its integration into the VR environment, this cushion not only tracks posture but also makes the posture correction process fun. As long as the user maintains the correct sitting position, they can earn points or win rewards, which encourages the user to develop healthy sitting habits. Additionally, it provides guided exercises and training programs to help users learn and practice the correct sitting position.

[0017] The fact that our invention is custom-made increases the reliability and effectiveness of the seat system. It facilitates the widespread use of customized seat systems, such as orthopedic insoles, and enables the production of seat systems at a lower cost using recycled semi-rigid processable material. The semi-rigid nature of the material facilitates personalized revisions of the sitting pressure areas that change over time (it can be filed down using CNC and new supportive pads can be added).

[0018] In addition to this invention, a local vibratory stimulation system for specific musclebone areas has also been added during sitting. It has been scientifically proven that the ability to adjust the amplitude and frequency of vibration between 5-60 Hz positively affects improvements in bone mineral density. The vibratory stimulation system supports an increase in bone mineral density by sending vibrations to specific muscle and bone areas while sitting, thereby increasing the activity of bone cells in bone formation. The frequency and intensity of the vibration motors can be adjusted according to the patient's individual needs. This system improves the posture and overall spinal health of patients with scoliosis by contributing to the correction of pain and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, the production from the recyclable materials offers an environmentally friendly approach and provides a significant advantage in terms of sustainability.

[0019] The cushion, which offers wireless connectivity, transfers data to a computer or mobile phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This flexibility allows users to access their data anytime, anywhere. These data can be monitored and analyzed in real time using specialized software. Users or healthcare professionals can obtain detailed information about the performance of the seat system and make adjustments if necessary. The use of recyclable materials supports environmental sustainability, while customized production methods increase efficiency and reliability. This innovative seat system offers significant progress in scoliosis treatment and greatly improves the users' quality of life.

[0020] The fact that our invention is made from recyclable semi-rigid materials makes this product an environmentally friendly option. The design, customized to the user's body structure using 3D CAD / CAM technology, offers the customized comfort.

[0021] As a result, this invention has been integrated with a vibratory stimulation system that supports bone healing while correcting the three-dimensional posture of patients with scoliosis. This system contributes to both pain reduction and the prevention of spinal degeneration.

[0022] The invention is easy to assemble thanks to the easy attachment of its components to each other, and costs are low due to the short assembly time. In addition, the invention has a robust structure.

[0023] Description of the Drawings:

[0024] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated, but it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the field of the invention defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that the details shown are shown solely for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are presented for the purpose of providing the most useful and easily understood description of both the embodiment of the methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Fig. 1 shows top and side views of the product of the invention.

[0026] The figures that help understanding the present invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and their names are given below.

[0027] Description of the Reference Numbers:

[0028] 1 . Vibration motor

[0029] 2. Pressure zone

[0030] 3. Slope

[0031] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0032] The components of the invention are basically a vibration motor (1), two pressure zones (2) containing pressure sensors, a slope (3) supporting spine and formed between the pressure zones (2), a communication module, a processor, a memory, and a battery. The slope (3) is customized for each individual based on his or her scoliosis degree.

[0033] The vibration motors (1) inside the cushion support spinal health by providing vibrations in the range of 5 - 60 Hz. Vibration motors (1) send localized vibrations to the muscle-bone areas.

[0034] The pressure sensors located on the seat cushion monitor the user's sitting position in real time. Data from the sensors is transmitted to the processor, which processes the incoming data using pre-programmed software. The processor receives data from pressure sensors located at different positions on the pressure zone (2) and creates a posture pressure map showing the pressure distribution on the cushion. This map data can be transmitted to a computer, mobile phone, or VR headset via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, enabling real-time posture monitoring. Pressure maps, posture history, and recommendations can be visualized on demand via the mobile phone application.

[0035] If poor posture is detected while the user is in the VR environment, the system provides visual feedback to the user. For example, the posture of the virtual avatar of the user may become distorted in the VR environment, or a warning screen may appear. In another embodiment of the invention, guided exercises and training programs can be offered to help users learn and apply the correct sitting position in a VR environment, or the posture correction process can be turned into a game. For example, as long as the user remains in the correct sitting position, they can earn points orwin rewards in the VR environment.

[0036] The data generated by the processor inside the cushion can be transferred wirelessly to a computer, mobile phone, or VR headset via a Wi-Fi module or Bluetooth.

[0037] The cushion is designed using 3D CAD / CAM software and customized to fit the user's body structure. Additionally, the cushion is made from recyclable semi-rigid materials.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An orthopedic seat cushion correcting posture, which comprises at least one pressure sensor and a pressure zone (2) that generates data according to the user's sitting position and which is customizable with 3D CAD / CAM programs to protect the spine from degeneration by distributing the load on the facet joints under pressure in patients with major lumbar region scoliosis and to reduce pain by distributing the load in patients with facet joint degeneration, characterized in that it has- at least one vibration motor (1) fixed in the cushion, operating at an adjustable frequency in the range of 5 - 60 Hz,- a VR headset,- a slope (3) between both pressure zones (2), customized according to the user's degree of scoliosis and / or at least one of the parameters, such as pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, sagittal vertical axis,- a processor that generates a posture map from the instantaneous data generated in the pressure zone (2) and projects this map to the user in real time through the VR headset in the form of a virtual avatar representing the user's sitting posture,- a Wi-Fi module or Bluetooth module, which wirelessly transmits the data generated by the processor to the VR headset.

2. The orthopedic seat cushion correcting posture according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a battery that provides electrical energy to the electronic units.

3. The orthopedic seat cushion correcting posture according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a memory for recording historical data and analysis.