Supporting device for supporting a body part of a user
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for body parts, such as limbs, are often individually molded, leading to high manufacturing costs due to anatomical variations, making them inefficient and costly to produce for the diverse range of human body parts.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a support region designed in a predefined geometric-structural shape based on selected dimension information, allowing for standardized production and adaptation to various body parts, reducing individual customization and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support devices are individually molded to match anatomical variations, then the fit and comfort for the user is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized support body that can serve multiple users with different body part dimensions. The support device is configured with adjustable features and a standardized geometric-structural shape that can accommodate various anatomical variations without requiring individual customization for each user, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by providing the support device with adjustable dimensions and configurable parameters that can be modified to suit different users. The control unit allows adjustment of support parameters such as firmness, positioning, and dimensional characteristics, enabling a standardized device to adapt to individual anatomical variations through parameter modification rather than physical redesign.
2Productivity
If support devices are standardized for mass production, then manufacturing efficiency and cost are improved, but the adaptability to individual body parts decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and reconfigurable features in the standardized support device. The support body includes elements that can be dynamically adjusted in terms of firmness, shape, and positioning through the control unit, allowing a mass-produced standardized device to adapt to individual user needs without compromising manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by enabling the standardized support device to modify its operational parameters such as support firmness, dimensional characteristics, and positioning adjustments. This allows a single standardized design to serve multiple users with different anatomical requirements, maintaining both manufacturing efficiency and user adaptability.
3Loss of time
If individual customization is eliminated, then manufacturing time and cost are reduced, but the precision of fit may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical customization process (individual molding and fitting) with an automated control system that adjusts support parameters electronically. The control unit modifies the support characteristics through parameter adjustment rather than physical redesign, eliminating time-consuming individual manufacturing while maintaining precise fit through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the standardized support device to adjust its physical and functional parameters after production. This enables the device to achieve precise fit for individual users through parameter modification rather than through individualized manufacturing, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining or improving fit precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Support device for supporting at least one body part of a user at least in portions, optionally completely, comprising a support body, which comprises at least one support region for supporting at least one body part of a user at least in portions, optionally completely.