Back support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standing for extended periods without proper support can lead to back pain and discomfort due to muscle strain and reduced mobility, which is common in crowded environments where seating is limited.

Innovation Solution

A back support device with a base that can be mounted on a vertical surface, featuring laterally-extending projections to mimic spinal curvature, allowing for adjustable and stable support, and including a bracket for secure mounting with vertically spaced hooks and mortices for accommodating different heights and providing stimulation to the back muscles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If an individual stands motionless for an extended period without support, then the individual can remain in position, but back pain and muscle strain occur due to lack of support and mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of standingVSAvoidback pain and muscle strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The back support features a curved surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the human spine and back. This curved geometry distributes the individual's weight along the curve, providing ergonomic support to the back muscles and spine, preventing pain and strain during extended standing periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The back support is divided into multiple segments or zones with varying curvature and support characteristics. This segmentation allows different portions of the back to receive appropriate support, and enables the individual to adjust their position slightly to stimulate different muscle groups while maintaining overall support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a back support device is made adjustable for different heights, then it can accommodate more users, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different heightsVSAvoidmounting and adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back support incorporates an adjustable mounting mechanism with multiple vertically-spaced attachment points on the vertical surface. The support can be positioned at different heights by selecting different attachment points, allowing accommodation of users of various heights while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-mount design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The back support is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be attached to various vertical surfaces (walls, partitions, etc.) using different mounting methods. The same basic design serves multiple height requirements and can be installed in different locations to serve different users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11406195B2Back support

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 KESTER ALIDA LUCILLE

AI summary

A back support that includes a base for being mounted on a vertical structure and a plurality of projections extending outwardly from a front side of the base, laterally along a width of the base and vertically long a length of the base. An outermost extent of the projections collectively defines a vertically-oriented curvature generally corresponding to a human spinal curvature and against which an individual can engage the back for support while standing.