Canting Mechanism for Ambulatory Support Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for back pain, such as medications, physical manipulation, acupuncture, injections, and electrical stimulation, often provide inadequate long-term relief, are invasive, or come with significant side effects and complications, failing to effectively manage chronic low back pain.
Innovation Solution
A canting mechanism comprising a support with moveable pressure elements positioned over trigger points where the psoas, Iliacus, and rectus femorus muscles intersect, applying pressure to relieve muscle tension and improve posture, which can be adjusted to distribute force effectively on the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive procedures (surgery, injections, spinal cord stimulation) are used to treat back pain, then pain relief may be achieved, but the risk of side effects and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical/surgical interventions with a non-invasive mechanical support system. The ambulatory support apparatus uses external mechanical support and positioning rather than surgical implantation or injection, eliminating the associated risks of infection, hardware complications, and surgical side effects while providing sustained pain relief through proper biomechanical support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a non-invasive, removable support apparatus that can be used externally without permanent implantation. This approach avoids the long-term complications associated with implanted devices while providing effective pain management through repeated use of a safe, external support system
2Reliability
If frequent treatment sessions (physical manipulation, TENS, exercise) are required to maintain pain relief, then short-term pain relief can be achieved, but convenience and patient compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ambulatory support apparatus provides continuous pain relief and posture support during daily activities rather than requiring intermittent treatment sessions. The device maintains constant biomechanical support and muscle relaxation effects as the patient walks or moves, eliminating the need for repeated physical manipulation or TENS sessions while improving patient compliance through convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus enables patients to maintain pain relief independently during their normal daily activities without requiring frequent visits to healthcare providers for manual manipulation or supervised exercise sessions. The device works passively during ambulation, allowing patients to self-manage their pain condition conveniently
3Reliability
If high stimulation intensity is applied through TENS to achieve pain relief, then paresthesia coverage is improved, but cutaneous fiber irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation (TENS) with a mechanical support system that provides pain relief through physical support, positioning, and gentle pressure. This mechanical approach achieves pain relief without stimulating cutaneous fibers, eliminating the irritation and discomfort associated with high-intensity electrical stimulation while maintaining effective pain management
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points includes a support, a first pressure element, and a second pressure element. The first pressure element is carried by the support. The second pressure element is carried by the support. The first pressure element is moveable with respect to the support, and the second pressure element is moveable with respect to the support. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are also moveable with respect to each other. The support has a length so that the support can be attached around a lower portion of the trunk of a human body. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are shaped to apply an external force to at least two portions of the human body proximate to where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect.