Back Mobilizer Harness Active Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back mobilizers are primarily passive support structures that do not allow for active spinal mobilization without the assistance of a second person, which is a limitation in providing effective spinal extension and pain relief similar to physical therapy techniques.
Innovation Solution
A back mobilizer harness comprising a contact member, a contact member holder, and a pull system that applies a posterior-anterior (PA) force to the spine, allowing users to actively mobilize their spine by wearing the harness and using the pull system to apply tension, thereby realigning the spine and reducing pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passive support structure is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot actively mobilize the spine without assistance from a second person
Solution Approach 1:
The pull system allows the user to independently apply mobilization forces to their own spine without requiring assistance from another person. The user pulls on the handles to generate the necessary posterior-anterior force through the contact member, making the device self-servicing and eliminating the need for a second operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness transitions from a static passive support structure to a dynamic active mobilization system. The pull system enables the user to dynamically adjust and apply forces during spinal extension movements, allowing active engagement of the mobilization process rather than passive support only.
2Power
If a pull system is added to enable active mobilization, then the device can actively move the spine, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member acts as an intermediary element that concentrates and transmits the pulling force from the pull system directly to specific areas around the spinous process. This intermediary structure allows the user's pulling action to be effectively translated into focused mobilization forces on the spine without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull system is divided into separate functional components: handles for user grip, straps for force transmission, and the contact member for localized application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design while maintaining effective mobilization capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the contact member is designed with protrusions to contact specific spinal areas, then precise spinal segment isolation is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member can be manufactured with adjustable or variable geometry parameters. The protrusions can be positioned and sized to match different spinal segments and user anatomies, allowing precise isolation of specific spinal segments while accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances through design flexibility rather than requiring extreme precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic back mobilizer harness that transmits a user-applied PA force to one or both sides of the spinous process at a specific spinal segment, to improve alignment and decrease pain. The harness includes a contact member, a belt that retains the contact member, and a pull system connected to the belt. A user pulls forward on handles of the pull system to apply the PA force.