Articulating Back Support Structure for Lumbar Force Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back support devices provide only radial compression and lack direct force assistance to the back muscles, limiting their effectiveness in rehabilitation and spinal support.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable back support device that replicates the user's skeletal structure, providing spinal alignment and muscle assistance through an elastic strap system with adjustable beams and hinges, counteracting upper body forces to engage the back muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If radial compression support is provided around the torso, then a feeling of support for the back muscles is achieved, but direct force assistance to the back muscles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid support structure with hinge mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the compression belt and the back muscles. This mediator translates radial compression into focused vertical force directly on the lumbar region, enabling effective rehabilitation while maintaining the comfort of distributed compression.
2Stress or pressure
If compression pressure is applied to the waist and lower back, then support feeling is provided, but focused force on specific spinal area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure features a localized contact point at the lumbar region through the hinge mechanism, while the rest of the belt distributes compression over a larger area. This local quality concentration delivers focused pressure exactly where needed on the spine without requiring overall high compression.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shoulder straps are used to secure the belt position, then belt stability is improved, but direct muscle assistance is still not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms the static support structure into a dynamic system that moves with the user's body. As the user bends or moves, the hinge articulates and actively pushes against the lumbar region, providing dynamic force assistance that adapts to movement rather than merely maintaining fixed position.
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 device effectively supports and aligns the spine, assisting back muscles by counteracting external forces, enhancing spinal stability and muscle engagement during activities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provides resistance force to counteract forces acting upon a user's upper body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an adjustable back support device configured to fit a user's height and waist size comprised of a harness, an articulating support structure, and an elastic support strap attached to the articulating support structure. The device provides spinal support, alignment, and back muscle assistance to a user when external forces are applied to the user's upper body and back muscles. The device fits over the shoulders and around the waist of a user and is supported vertically by the harness and laterally by a waist support belt. The elastic support strap provides resistance to the back muscles when a user bends from the waist. Resistance of the elastic support strap may be increased or decreased by an elastic strap tensioner assembly which adjusts resistance of the elastic support strap via a tensioner pin which contains a plurality of lockable positions for varying resistance of the elastic support strap.