Dynamic Belt Brace With Adaptive Abdominal Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt-type spinal orthoses provide static compressive force, leading to muscle atrophy, discomfort, and potential health issues due to invariable length during sudden movements, and lack dynamic support based on posture and intra-abdominal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A belt-type dynamic orthosis with a multi-pulley mechanism, actuator, load cell, and controller that adjusts abdominal compression dynamically based on posture and intra-abdominal pressure changes, using inertial measurement sensors to estimate and respond to spinal movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional belt-type spinal orthosis compresses the waist or abdomen to fix the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but muscle atrophy occurs due to constant compressive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static belt structure with a dynamic robotic system that includes actuators, pulleys, and sensors. The system continuously adjusts the compressive force applied to the abdomen based on real-time detection of spinal posture and movement, transitioning from a fixed compression state to a dynamically adaptive state that responds to user needs while preventing muscle atrophy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through inertial measurement sensors that detect spinal posture and movement, which are then processed by a controller to adjust the actuator output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the compressive force is optimized based on actual spinal conditions, providing stability when needed while allowing muscle engagement during normal movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a belt-type spinal orthosis uses a static length belt to compress the abdomen, then spinal support is provided, but discomfort and health issues occur during sudden movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static belt length with a dynamic adjustment mechanism using actuators and pulleys that can rapidly change the abdominal circumference in response to detected movement. This allows the system to maintain spinal support during sudden movements by dynamically adapting the compression level, preventing the harmful effects of fixed-length belts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of belt length from a fixed value to a dynamically variable parameter controlled by actuators. The system adjusts the abdominal compression parameter in real-time based on movement detection, allowing optimal support during static periods and reduced compression during sudden movements to prevent discomfort and health issues.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a belt-type spinal orthosis provides uniform compression regardless of spinal movement, then spinal stability is maintained, but the wearer experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the uniform static compression into dynamic variable compression by using sensors to detect spinal movement and actuators to adjust the compression level accordingly. The system provides high compression for stability when the spine is stationary and reduces compression during movement, creating a dynamic comfort profile that adapts to the wearer's activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compression parameter from a constant uniform value to a variable parameter that changes based on spinal movement detection. The controller adjusts compression levels dynamically, providing high compression for stability during static periods and low compression for comfort during movement, eliminating the discomfort of uniform compression.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a belt-type spinal orthosis is designed with additional functions for active control, then dynamic support is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single robotic belt system that integrates sensing, processing, actuation, and control functions. The same actuator and pulley mechanism that provides compression also enables dynamic adjustment, while inertial sensors simultaneously detect both posture and movement. This universal design achieves dynamic support capability without proportionally increasing 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
Provides improved spinal stability and comfort by dynamically adjusting abdominal pressure, minimizing muscle weakening and discomfort, while allowing free spinal movement.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator disposed in either one of the left portion and the right portion and driven to wind or unwind the at least one wire
Implementation Method 2
at least one load cell connected to any one pulley among the first pulleys or to any one pulley among the second pulleys, the at least one load cell measuring a tension applied to the wire
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of first pulleys disposed in the first stretchable portion; a plurality of second pulleys disposed in the second stretchable portion; at least one wire connected to the plurality of first pulleys and the plurality of second pulleys
Implementation Method 4
using inertial measurement sensors to estimate and respond to spinal movements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dynamic belt-type brace, specifically to an apparatus that dynamically adjusts abdominal pressure, and more specifically to an apparatus that dynamically adjusts abdominal pressure to lighten the load on the muscles around the vertebra and reduce the shearing and pressing force exerted on the vertebral body.