Adjustable Spinal Support Layout for Personalized Curvature Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal support devices fail to accommodate individuals with varying anatomies and spinal misalignments, lacking the ability to provide customized axial compressive load and induce corrective spinal curvature.
Innovation Solution
A spinal support device comprising a base unit with adjustable neck, mid-back, and upper thigh support units, allowing for customizable spacing and alignment to fit individual spinal configurations, including telescoping mechanisms and interchangeable convex shapes to support transition points and maintain normal spinal curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spinal support device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate individuals with varying anatomies and spinal misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal support device is divided into multiple adjustable segments including head support, torso support, and leg support units. Each segment can be independently positioned and angled to accommodate different anatomical variations and spinal conditions, allowing customization without requiring a completely different device for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different user needs. The support units can be repositioned along tracks, angled independently, and configured to match various spinal curvatures and anatomical proportions, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized spinal support devices are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they fail to provide customized axial compressive load
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the spinal support device apply different forces and angles tailored to specific anatomical regions. The head, torso, and leg support units can be independently adjusted to provide localized axial compressive loads appropriate for each user's spinal structure, rather than applying uniform force throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of multiple parameters including support unit positions, angles, and spacing to customize the axial compressive load applied to each user's spine. These parameter changes enable tailored therapeutic forces while using standardized manufacturing processes for the base components.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable support units are added, then the device can fit individual spinal configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support units serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable customization for different anatomies, apply therapeutic axial compressive loads, and accommodate various spinal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate devices for different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a hierarchical structure where adjustable support units are nested within a standardized base framework. The head, torso, and leg support units can be positioned and angled independently within the overall device structure, allowing complex customization while maintaining a manageable base architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative spinal support devices have a base unit, a neck support unit defining a first end, an upper thigh support unit defining a second end, and a mid-back support unit positioned between the neck and upper thigh support units, wherein the neck, upper thigh, and mid-back support units each have a convex shaped topside with an apex that is configured to align within designated concave shaped areas on the user's backside. Illustrative related methods are described.