Chest Support Geometry for Shoulder Pressure Relief in Side Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoulder joint injuries lead to discomfort and prolonged recovery, exacerbated by traditional sleep methods that fail to provide adequate support, causing pressure on the injured joint and misalignment of the spine, which can worsen existing conditions like arthritis and subluxation.
Innovation Solution
A body support system comprising a chest support that elevates the torso and a lift cushion to redistribute weight, providing a tapered shape that relieves pressure on the shoulder and maintains spinal alignment, customizable for individual needs and sleep positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mattresses and pillows are used for sleep, then basic sleeping comfort is provided, but they add pressure to the injured shoulder and cause misalignment of the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple functional components: a first support element positioned under the shoulder to relieve pressure, a second support element under the torso to maintain alignment, and a third support element under the head/neck. This segmentation allows each element to address specific needs without compromising others.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support element has specific localized properties tailored to its function: the first element provides pressure relief with appropriate firmness for the injured shoulder, the second element maintains spinal alignment through targeted support, and the third element supports head and neck positioning. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between comfort and pressure relief.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mattresses and pillows are used for sleep, then basic sleeping comfort is provided, but they cause misalignment of the lumbar vertebrae and pain where the shoulder contacts the bedding surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support system segments spinal support into distinct zones: lumbar support through the second support element under the torso, thoracic support through the same element, and cervical support through the third element. This segmentation allows precise control of alignment at each spinal level simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are positioned asymmetrically according to the injured shoulder's location (left or right side), creating a customized support configuration that maintains natural spinal curvature while relieving pressure on the affected side.
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
The system effectively reduces pressure on the shoulder joint, promotes proper spinal alignment, and enhances comfort during sleep, thereby aiding in the recovery of shoulder injuries and alleviating associated pain and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape
Data Source
AI summary
A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.