Integrated Back Support Garment with Thermal Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back support garments inadequately support the tailbone region, surrounding muscles, legs, buttocks, hip, pelvis, and groin, and lack therapeutic heating or cooling, failing to provide comprehensive relief during physical and athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece back support apparatus comprising compression pants and a belt portion that extends from the pants to support the lumbar and abdominal areas, with integrated pack support structures for hot or cold therapy, and adjustable reinforcement inserts for enhanced stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If existing back support garments are used, then lumbar area compression is provided, but support for tailbone region, surrounding muscles, legs, buttocks, hip, pelvis and groin is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated garment that simultaneously supports the lumbar region, tailbone area, legs, buttocks, hips, pelvis, and groin. This merging of previously separate support devices into one comprehensive garment resolves the contradiction by expanding coverage area while maintaining reliable support across all vulnerable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The back support garment is designed as a multi-functional device that provides compression and support to multiple body regions simultaneously - not just the lumbar area but also the tailbone, legs, buttocks, hips, pelvis, and groin. This universal approach ensures comprehensive support effectiveness across all supported areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing back support garments are used, then basic lumbar compression is provided, but therapeutic heating or cooling is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates therapeutic heating and cooling capabilities directly into the back support garment structure. By combining the mechanical support function with thermal therapy functionality in a single device, the garment achieves adaptability for both support and therapeutic purposes without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates thermal packs or heating elements as intermediary components that can be attached to or integrated within the garment structure. These intermediaries provide the therapeutic heating or cooling function while the garment itself maintains its support function, allowing versatile therapy options.
3Force
If existing back support garments are used, then some compression is provided, but even distribution of forces during athletic and physical activities is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The garment employs different compression zones with varying pressure levels tailored to specific body regions. The compression force is locally optimized for each area (lumbar, tailbone, legs, buttocks, hips, pelvis, groin) based on the specific support needs of each region, achieving even force distribution while allowing natural movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is designed with dynamic compression capabilities that adapt to movement and physiological changes during athletic and physical activities. The material and structure allow the compression force to adjust dynamically, maintaining even distribution while preserving mobility and comfort during various activities.
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 solution provides even distribution of forces during activities, offers therapeutic heating or cooling, and maintains support and compression across the lumbar to mid-thigh regions, reducing back strain and pain while allowing for flexibility and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a compression pants portion configured to provide support for the wearer's pelvis, legs, buttocks, hip, and groin area
Implementation Method 2
maintain temperature transferring contact between the inner surface of the belt portion adjacent the hot and cold packs and the wearer's lumbar region
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A back support system that comprises a belt portion being configured to provide back and abdominal support encircling a wearer's waist, a compression pants portion and a hot or cold pack providing therapy to a wearer's lumbosacral region. The belt portion has a left and right portions and a rear portion that extends upwardly from a cutout of the rear portion of the compression pants and is attached fixedly thereto. The rear portion of the belt portion has a pack support structure for receiving a hot or cold pack so as to maintain hot or cold therapy on the wearer's back. Slots in the belt portion may accommodate vertically extending inserts of rigid plastic or spiral metallic to reinforce the belt portion over the lumbosacral region of the wearer. A front core support structure provides abdominal support in combination with the back support that supports the entire core of the wearer's body. The garment can be changed to an immobilizing brace device by inserting optional rigid inserts.