Cervical Traction Device with Linear Reciprocating Neck Rest
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of safe and easy-to-use home traction devices for relieving back pain caused by compressed or pinched nerves, as existing solutions are typically found in physical therapy clinics or chiropractic offices.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic traction device featuring a remote user interface, a U-shaped neck rest section, a crossbar with clamps, a curvilinear back pad, and a linear reciprocating mechanism driven by a motor or hydraulic system, allowing for controlled stretching of the cervical spine with adjustable timing and force settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a home traction device is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength and durability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a headrest assembly with clamps for securing the head, a back pad assembly for support, and a motor assembly for generating traction force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the headrest and back pad can be lightweight while the motor assembly provides the necessary structural strength and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
A crossbar is introduced as an intermediary structural element connecting the headrest assembly and back pad assembly. This crossbar provides the necessary structural strength and durability while allowing the overall device to remain relatively lightweight and easy to operate.
2Reliability
If a motorized linear reciprocating mechanism is added to provide controlled traction, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized linear reciprocating mechanism automatically performs the traction function without requiring manual intervention. The motor drives the mechanism to reciprocate the headrest and back pad assemblies, providing controlled and adjustable traction force automatically, which improves therapeutic effectiveness while the automation reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical traction system is replaced with a motorized system. The motor provides the necessary force and control for the linear reciprocating motion, improving therapeutic effectiveness while the electrical control system simplifies the overall operation compared to manual mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable timing and force settings are implemented, then adaptability to different users is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable timing and force settings that can be dynamically modified according to user needs. The motorized linear reciprocating mechanism allows for variable speed and force adjustments, enabling adaptation to different users and conditions while the electronic control system manages the complexity of these adjustments.
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
Enables users to safely and effectively relieve pressure on vertebral discs by increasing intervertebral spaces at home, providing relief from back pain through controlled and adjustable traction.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for linearly reciprocating the driven rod along a first vertical travel path defined posterior of the back pad such that the neck rest section is synchronously raised and lowered above the crossbar
Implementation Method 2
a motor seated inside the utility box that is communicatively coupled to the controller, a drive pulley driven by the motor
Implementation Method 3
the back pad may be removably connected to the crossbar with an elastic strap or any other suitable band that will hold the back pad securely to the crossbar
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic traction device for increasing intervertebral spaces along a cervical spine of a user includes a user interface, a controller, a neck rest section, a crossbar provided with first and second clamps, a curvilinear back pad connected to an anterior side of the crossbar, and a utility box connected to a posterior side of the crossbar. The utility box includes a rectilinear driven rod partially seated within the utility box and statically mated to the neck rest section, and a mechanism for linearly reciprocating the driven rod along a first vertical travel path defined posterior of the back pad such that the neck rest section is synchronously raised and lowered above the crossbar. In this manner, the back pad remains statically mated to the crossbar while the neck rest section is raised and lowered along a second vertical travel path defined anterior of the first vertical travel path.