Contoured Posture Device with Resilient Base to Prevent Spinal Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strategies to encourage an ergonomic seated position, such as the compensatory regional 'lock in' strategy for antigravity control, lead to excess superficial neuromuscular activity, compressing segments of the spine and compromising core control and breathing, as they do not maintain a neutral lumbar spine and relaxed thoracic spine.

Innovation Solution

A posture device with a contoured support surface and unstable base that encourages a neutral lumbar spine and relaxed thoracic spine by providing instability in specific directions, promoting dynamic adjustments and preventing locking strategies through a resilient material that generates a forward return force, thereby encouraging active sitting and maintaining a neutral or slightly anteriorly tilted pelvis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a person consciously adopts an upright seating position using compensatory regional 'lock in' strategy, then the body attempts to maintain an antigravity control, but excess superficial neuromuscular activity compresses segments of the spine and compromises core control and breathing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to maintain upright positionVSAvoidspinal compression and compromised core control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with contoured surfaces that create controlled instability, preventing the user from settling into a fixed static position. This dynamic interface requires continuous micro-adjustments that engage deep core stabilizers rather than superficial muscles, resolving the contradiction between maintaining posture and avoiding spinal compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contoured base changes the physical parameters of the sitting interface by creating specific pressure distribution patterns and instability characteristics. This transforms the sitting experience from a static load-bearing position to a dynamic stabilization task, engaging appropriate muscle groups without compressing spinal segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the base is made stable to provide firm support, then the user gains security, but the user's nervous system stops making micro adjustments and locking strategies occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase stabilityVSAvoidability to maintain active sitting

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base incorporates contoured surfaces that provide support while inherently preventing complete stability. The contours create controlled rocking or shifting characteristics that require the user's nervous system to continuously make micro-adjustments, maintaining active engagement of core muscles without requiring high base stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the support surface is flat and stable, then manufacturing is simple, but it does not encourage proper lumbar spine alignment or pelvic positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport surface fabricationVSAvoidpoor spinal alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base features contoured surfaces with specific local geometries designed to interface with the user's pelvis and lower back. These localized contour variations create specific pressure points and support zones that guide the user into proper lumbar spine alignment and neutral pelvic positioning, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively discourages negative sitting postures by promoting a neutral lumbar spine and relaxed thoracic spine, reducing superficial trunk activation and enhancing core muscle engagement, while preventing spinal compression and improving breathing and pelvic control.

Implementation Method 1

the body is constructed from a resilient material, such that in use, the material generates a return force in response to the user's weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240341482A1A posture device

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 OOV IP PTY LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a posture device configured to provide a support surface for a user. The device comprises a body, the body having a front end and a rear end, and an upper surface between the front and rear ends, the upper surface providing the support surface, the body being constructed from a resilient material, such that in use, the material generates a resilient return force in response to the user's weight, said resilient return force encouraging a posture in which the user's pelvis is neutral or slightly anteriorly tilted.