Elastic Base Brace with Inelastic Strands for Lumbar Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back support braces fail to effectively relieve lower back pain as they either lack the stability provided by inelastic braces or are too restrictive, and previous attempts to combine elastic and inelastic features have focused primarily on breathability rather than incorporating the benefits of both types of materials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A material comprising an elastic base with incorporated inelastic strands to create zones of compression, allowing for targeted stability and comfort by reducing elasticity in specific areas, which can be achieved through knitting, weaving, or sewing the strands into the base during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If inelastic braces with rigid edges or bulky plastic components are used, then trunk stability is improved, but mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating inelastic zones only in specific areas where stability is needed (lumbar region), while the rest of the brace remains elastic to allow mobility. This is achieved through selective placement of rigid components or inelastic materials in compression zones, rather than making the entire brace rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the brace into distinct elastic and inelastic zones, allowing different parts of the brace to have different mechanical properties. This segmentation enables the brace to provide stability where needed while maintaining flexibility in other areas for comfort and mobility.
2Ease of operation
If elastic braces are used, then mobility and comfort are improved, but trunk stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating inelastic zones only in specific areas where stability is needed (lumbar region), while the rest of the brace remains elastic to allow mobility. This is achieved through selective placement of rigid components or inelastic materials in compression zones, rather than making the entire brace rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastic and inelastic materials within the same brace structure. This creates a hybrid brace that exhibits both elastic and inelastic properties, allowing it to provide stability in certain zones while maintaining flexibility in others.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inelastic zones are incorporated into elastic braces, then targeted stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible shells and thin films by incorporating thin inelastic layers or bands into the elastic brace structure. These thin inelastic elements provide targeted stability without adding significant bulk or complexity to the overall brace design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges elastic and inelastic materials into a unified brace structure, integrating the different material properties seamlessly. This combining approach allows the brace to function as a single integrated unit with both elastic and inelastic characteristics, rather than requiring separate components.
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 solution provides the flexibility and comfort of elastic braces while offering the stability of inelastic braces, eliminating the need for bulky components and allowing for unobtrusive wear, with adjustable zones of inelasticity to suit various activities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic base that is elastic in one or more directions... capable of repeatedly stretching to at least 110% of its original length and returning to its original shape
Data Source
AI summary
Lower back braces and materials for braces having an elastic base and inelastic strands or tightening mechanism(s) are provided. An elastic base material could be made effectively inelastic by tightening an inelastic cord that extends across the elastic base material. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic base material could include one or more inelastic strands that define one or more inelastic compression zones in an otherwise elastic base.