Backrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chronic shoulder and neck pain, exacerbated by incorrect thoracic positioning (Kyphosis), is not effectively addressed by existing posture correcting devices, as users tend to revert to curved postures during passive activities like driving and computer use, leading to muscle exhaustion and degenerative spinal changes.
Innovation Solution
A backrest design with a front wall and diagonally extending wings that gently thrust the thoracic spine forward and raise the back ribs, promoting proper thoracic extension, thereby aligning the cervical spine and reducing Kyphosis, even during prolonged sitting periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If posture correcting contraptions such as harnesses are worn, then thoracic positioning is corrected, but users stop using them after a while due to discomfort and dislike of corrective gear
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed to automatically provide thoracic extension support through its built-in foam structure with thrusting surfaces, eliminating the need for active user engagement or adjustment. The device serves itself by maintaining constant contact with the thoracic spine and ribs, providing continuous posture correction without requiring user attention or effort, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the corrective function from wearable harnesses and transfers it to a stationary backrest structure. By removing the burden of wearing corrective gear and placing the correction mechanism in the environment (backrest), the device achieves reliable posture correction without compromising user compliance during passive activities
2Reliability
If users maintain proper thoracic extension during passive activities, then muscle fatigue is reduced and spinal health is improved, but users revert to curved postures during driving and computer use
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is positioned in advance during passive activities (driving, computer use) to provide immediate thoracic extension support. The thrusting surfaces are pre-configured to contact the user's thoracic spine and ribs, enabling proper posture maintenance from the moment the user sits down, thus extending the duration of correct positioning without requiring active user decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The foam structure with thrusting surfaces provides continuous passive support throughout the entire duration of sitting activities. The backrest maintains constant contact with the thoracic region, ensuring uninterrupted thoracic extension support during prolonged periods of driving or computer use, thereby extending the duration of proper posture maintenance
3Reliability
If thoracic spine is thrust forward and back ribs are raised, then abdominal cavity is expanded and diaphragmatic expansion is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest incorporates localized thrusting surfaces at specific contact points on the foam structure that correspond to the thoracic spine and rib positions. Rather than making the entire backrest complex, only specific local areas are shaped to provide the necessary thrusting action, achieving reliable thoracic extension support with minimal additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves thoracic extension by changing the geometric parameters of the foam structure - specifically the curvature and positioning of thrusting surfaces. By adjusting these physical parameters of the existing foam material rather than adding complex mechanical components, the device expands the abdominal cavity and enhances diaphragmatic expansion while maintaining simple device architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest having features that support proper sitting posture of a user to improve back health and posture may be utilized. The backrest may include a front wall with wings extending to the left and right and diagonally forward to reduce Kyphosis of a user when sitting against the backrest. A combination of the front wall and wings may causing the user's (i) back ribs to be raised and gently tilted forward and (ii) thoracic spine region to be gently thrusted forward. By thrusting the thoracic spine region and raising and tilting the back ribs, a user's abdominal cavity may be expanded, and thereby reinforcing the ideal positioning of the cervical spine so that the user's head naturally positions on axis and does not “dump” forward.