Body Support Structure for Pressure Relief and Gravity Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged exposure to gravitational forces leads to fatigue, pressure ulcers, and adverse health effects such as chronic back pain, bone density loss, and metabolic disorders, with existing solutions being inadequate or risky, particularly for individuals in microgravity environments and those with restricted mobility.
Innovation Solution
Development of systems and devices that distribute body weight from weight-bearing regions to non-weight-bearing regions, using Weight-Distribution Devices (WDDs) and Load Concentration Devices (LCDs) to reduce shear forces and exert forces similar to gravitational forces, incorporating inflatable structures, frames, and Weight-Bearing Elements (WBEs) to minimize pressure on weight-bearing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravitational forces act on the body during prolonged periods, then the body maintains natural physiological function, but pressure and shear forces on weight-bearing regions cause fatigue, pain, and pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using inflatable bladders and mechanical structures to generate upward forces that counteract gravitational pull on the body. The bladders inflate to push against the body, creating a counterbalancing force that reduces the net pressure on weight-bearing regions while maintaining physiological function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures including inflatable bladders, frames, and weight-bearing elements that act as mediators between the body and gravitational force. These intermediaries distribute and redirect forces away from vulnerable weight-bearing regions, preventing direct harmful contact between gravity and the body's pressure-sensitive areas.
2Strength
If body weight is concentrated on weight-bearing regions, then the body maintains structural support, but prolonged concentration causes pressure ulcers and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body support function by dividing the body into multiple regions supported by separate inflatable bladders and weight-bearing elements. Instead of concentrating support on traditional weight-bearing areas, the system segments support across multiple contact points including the back, sides, and legs, distributing pressure and preventing ulcer formation while maintaining overall structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical weight-bearing support to a multi-dimensional support system. By incorporating lateral and diagonal support vectors through strategically positioned bladders and frames, the system distributes load across three-dimensional space rather than concentrating it vertically on limited weight-bearing regions, preventing pressure ulcers while maintaining structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If microgravity conditions are experienced, then astronauts avoid gravitational stress, but bone density and muscle strength are lost over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles in reverse for space applications by using inflatable bladders and mechanical structures to generate downward forces that simulate gravitational pull on astronauts' bodies. This creates artificial weight-bearing stress that counteracts the bone-weakening effects of microgravity, maintaining bone density and muscle strength without exposing astronauts to actual gravitational stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of force application by using inflatable bladders to dynamically adjust the magnitude and distribution of simulated gravitational forces. The system can vary pressure levels and contact points to replicate different gravitational conditions, allowing astronauts to experience controlled weight-bearing stress that maintains physiological strength without the full effects of Earth's gravity.
4Reliability
If therapeutic forces are applied to treat disease conditions, then physiological benefits are achieved, but existing treatment options are either suboptimal or fraught with risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal therapeutic system that can address multiple disease conditions through a single platform. The inflatable bladder system can be configured to provide compression, distraction, and positional therapy for various conditions including back pain, hypertension, and orthopedic issues, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.