Differential Air Pressure Chamber for Uniform Body Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to counteract gravitational forces, such as harness systems and water-based systems, cause discomfort and uneven distribution of support, leading to potential injuries and altered muscle activation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A differential air pressure system with a chamber and user seal that creates an adjustable air pressure differential, utilizing a height adjustment assembly and counterbalancing system to provide uniform support and accommodate various body sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a harness system is used to suspend a person, then gravitational forces are counteracted, but pressure points cause discomfort and may induce injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic system with inflatable chambers that generate upward buoyant force to counteract gravity. The chambers are filled with air to create a distributed upward force across the user's body, replacing the concentrated pressure points of traditional harness systems. The pneumatic pressure distribution naturally adapts to body contours, eliminating harmful pressure points while maintaining gravitational counteraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the upward supporting force by controlling the air pressure in the chambers. Users can modify the degree of gravitational counteraction by adjusting pressure parameters, enabling customized support levels that prevent pressure points while maintaining therapeutic or training effectiveness.
2Force
If a water-based system is used to submerge a user's body, then buoyancy offsets gravity, but the upward supporting force distributes unevenly and viscous drag alters muscle activation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic chambers instead of water to provide buoyant support. The air-filled chambers generate upward force through pressure differential, distributing support evenly across the user's body contours without the viscous drag present in water-based systems. This maintains uniform pressure distribution while eliminating the altering effect on muscle activation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control over the upward supporting force through pressure regulation. By adjusting air pressure in the chambers, the system can provide uniform gravitational counteraction without the excessive buoyancy and drag effects of water, allowing for stable and even force distribution across the user's body.
3Force
If a water-based system is used, then gravitational forces are counteracted, but viscous drag substantially alters muscle activation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces water with air-filled pneumatic chambers to eliminate viscous drag. The pneumatic system provides gravitational counteraction through pressure differential without introducing the harmful viscous forces that alter muscle activation patterns. The air medium creates minimal resistance, allowing natural muscle movement and activation while maintaining effective weight support.
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 system effectively counters gravitational forces, reducing joint impact and muscular effort while providing comfortable and uniform support for users of varying heights.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber configured to receive a portion of a user's lower body and to create an air pressure differential upon the user's body
Implementation Method 2
a counterbalancing system configured to at least partially offset the weight of the movable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems and methods of using such systems. The differential air pressure system may comprise a chamber configured to receive a portion of a user's lower body and to create an air pressure differential upon the user's body. The differential air pressure system may further comprise a user seal that seal the pressure chamber to the user's body. The height of the user seal may be adjusted to accommodate users with various body heights.