Back Brace Panel Arced Portion Prevents Twisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back braces often struggle with adjustability and comfort, as they can twist or deform when pressure is applied, reducing their effectiveness in providing consistent spinal support.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates panels with arced portions and protrusions to prevent twisting, allowing the panels to flex inwardly while maintaining the first wall's flatness, and utilizing hook or loop materials to secure the lateral support without additional fasteners, ensuring proper positioning and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the panel is made flat and rigid to maintain structural stability, then the panel can provide consistent support, but the panel cannot flex inwardly when pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the second wall with an arced portion that allows the panel to flex inwardly when pressure is applied. The curved geometry enables the panel to deform in a controlled manner while the first wall remains substantially flat to maintain structural stability. This resolves the contradiction by using different geometric forms for different functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is made flexible to allow inward flexing, then the panel can adapt to pressure, but the panel may twist or deform when pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel into distinct functional zones: a first wall configured to remain substantially flat to maintain structural stability, and a second wall with an arced portion that is configured to flex inwardly. This segmentation allows different parts of the panel to perform different functions - one part maintains stability while the other provides controlled flexibility, preventing unwanted twisting or deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional fasteners are added to secure the lateral support, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and securing functions into the panel structure itself. The aperture formed by the first and second walls provides inherent positioning guidance for the lateral support, and the arced portion of the second wall provides frictional retention. This integration eliminates the need for separate positioning features and additional fasteners, achieving both accurate positioning and secure attachment while reducing device complexity.
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
This configuration enhances the adjustability and comfort of back braces by allowing the panels to flex inwardly without twisting, maintaining the effectiveness of spinal support and reducing the need for additional fasteners, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the second wall's bottom surface has an arced portion... the second wall including the arced portion can flex inwardly toward a wearer
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the walls, and preferably the first wall, can additionally comprise a plurality of protrusions configured to engage a portion of the lateral support
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~6C
AI summary
A brace comprises one or more panels having an aperture or slit that is at least partially defined by a first portion and a second portion. Each panel can couple with a lateral support that is configured to wrap around a portion of a wearer's body. One or both of the first and second portions can comprise an arc that is configured to prevent a twisting of the panel when the brace is tightened around a wearer. One or both of the first and second portions can additionally or alternatively comprise a plurality of protrusions configured to interact with a portion of a lateral support to thereby assist in maintaining a vertical position of the lateral support with respect to the panel.