Segmented Back Support with Leg Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back supports are uncomfortable to wear, difficult to handle, and impede breathing and eating due to constant pressure on the abdomen and thorax, and they do not provide adequate support for the lower back region.

Innovation Solution

A back support design featuring a waist band with adjustable leg straps that form loops to provide support by tightening behind the thighs, a soft and shape-adapted supporting plate, and optional features like heating, cooling, and electrical impulses, along with adjustable buckles and straps for secure fit, to distribute pressure comfortably and effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid back support with plates stretching from pelvis to thorax is used, then back support effectiveness is improved, but comfort and ease of breathing deteriorate due to constant pressure on abdomen and thorax

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback support effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort and ease of breathing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The back support is segmented into a waist band and separate leg straps that can be independently adjusted. The supporting plate is confined to the lower back region only, separating the support function from the abdominal and thoracic regions, thereby maintaining back support effectiveness while eliminating unnecessary pressure on breathing and eating areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting plate is specifically positioned to cover only the lower back region where support is needed, rather than extending over the entire back from pelvis to thorax. This localized approach concentrates the support effect where required while avoiding pressure on the abdomen and thorax, thus resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and breathing comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a rigid back support structure is used, then back support effectiveness is improved, but ease of cleaning and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback support effectivenessVSAvoidease of cleaning and handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: a waist band, a supporting plate, and adjustable leg straps. This segmentation allows the supporting plate to be detached for easy cleaning while the waist band and straps remain flexible and manageable, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity for support and ease of cleaning/handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If pressure is exerted on the abdomen and thorax, then back support effectiveness is improved, but comfort and breathing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback support effectivenessVSAvoidbreathing impairment and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure-exerting supporting plate is extracted and repositioned to cover only the lower back region, removing it from the abdomen and thorax areas. The leg straps provide the necessary anchoring force without requiring abdominal or thoracic pressure, thus eliminating breathing impairment while maintaining back support effectiveness through proper biomechanical leverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2943167B1Back support
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 V V ANJA C SEILER HANSEN
  • EP2943167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2943167B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a back support comprising a waist band (10) with at least one front-facing fixing region (11) and at least one back-facing supporting plate (12) attached to said waist band; said back support further comprises at least two first leg straps (20, 21, 22, 23) fixed in both ends unto said waist band in said fixing region; said first leg straps each forming a loop extending in use from the fixing region downwardly and behind a respective leg of the user and again upwardly to the fixing region; said at least one supporting plate being adapted to support the lower back region of the user.