Back Support System with Pivot Balance and Flexible Spine Aligner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back support systems fail to automatically equalize forces on the upper and lower portions of the body independently of the wearer's position, leading to inadequate support and discomfort when standing or sitting.

Innovation Solution

The back support system incorporates a pivot adjusting balance member system and a flexible spine aligner with a center balance member system that uses a pull strap mechanism to distribute equal tensile loads across the upper and lower portions, adjusting to the wearer's position and silhouette through a combination of pivot apertures, guide apertures, and flexible sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate tightening mechanisms are used for upper and lower portions of the brace, then independent adjustment is possible, but the device cannot automatically equalize forces when the wearer changes position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidautomatic force equalization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tightening mechanisms with a connecting member that links the upper and lower portions. This connecting member allows the system to function as an integrated unit that can automatically equalize forces while preserving the independent adjustment capability of each mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower tightening mechanisms. It mediates the force distribution by allowing relative movement and rotation, enabling automatic force equalization while maintaining independent adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the brace is designed with fixed tension distribution, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different wearer positions (standing or sitting)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidposition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements including a rotatable member and a connecting member with degrees of freedom. These elements allow the brace to automatically adapt its tension distribution based on the wearer's position (standing or sitting) without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brace is divided into upper and lower portions that can be independently adjusted and tensioned. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific positional requirements while the connecting member coordinates their interaction for overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to achieve force equalization, then position adaptation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce equalization capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member with its rotatable and movable features creates a self-adjusting system that automatically equalizes forces based on the wearer's position. The system uses passive mechanical elements rather than active control mechanisms, reducing complexity while achieving force equalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11246733B2Recoil and spinal armor support system

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 WOLANSKE WALTER J

AI summary

A back support system adapted to be worn by a person, has (a) a pivot adjusting balance member system, (b) a flexible spine aligner, or (c) combination thereof.