Elastomeric Garment for Posture Training via Cutaneous Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poor posture leads to musculoskeletal issues, discomfort, and decreased quality of life due to sedentary lifestyles and lack of awareness during activities, with existing solutions requiring physical therapy and not addressing dynamic activities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment providing neuromuscular stimulation through a combination of pressure, torque, and angle to train muscles for proper posture using elastomeric materials and strategically placed proprioceptive panels and straps, stimulating cutaneous nerve receptors to promote muscle memory and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical therapy and chiropractic manipulation are used to improve posture, then postural alignment is improved, but the patient must spend time and energy visiting treatment offices and the effects may not persist during dynamic activities
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable garment enables the user to self-administer postural therapy through proprioceptive feedback and neuromuscular stimulation. The device continuously trains muscles for proper posture during daily activities without requiring visits to treatment offices, making the therapy self-sustaining and persistent during both static and dynamic activities.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional posture improvement methods are used, then static posture may be improved, but dynamic activities such as running and lifting result in inefficient body movements with increased stress on muscles and ligaments
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable garment provides continuous proprioceptive feedback and neuromuscular stimulation during both static and dynamic activities. The device adapts to various movements including running and lifting, training muscles to maintain proper alignment during dynamic activities, thereby improving efficiency and reducing stress on muscles and ligaments.
3Force
If elastomeric materials with high elasticity are used to provide form-fitting pressure, then neuromuscular stimulation is enhanced, but the garment may restrict natural skin stretch and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The garment utilizes elastomeric materials with specifically engineered elastic moduli that balance two opposing requirements: providing sufficient form-fitting pressure for effective neuromuscular stimulation while allowing adequate skin stretch and natural movement. The material parameters are optimized to maintain proprioceptive feedback without restricting physiological motion.
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 garment continuously trains muscles for optimal posture during static and dynamic activities, improving musculature and biomechanics, reducing pain and wear on joints, and enhancing recovery and circulation.
Implementation Method 1
The garment may be fabricated of a stretchable, yet taut material in order to provide the desirable form-fitting feature such that pressure may be readily applied to the surface of the skin for neuromuscular stimulation
Implementation Method 2
The garment is fabricated from an elastomeric material... The elastomeric material is also preferably breathable and/or which has moisture wicking capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A garment for stimulation of a wearer's sensory motor system. The garment includes a main body portion that includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion and at least one sensory motor stimulation member integrated with the main body portion. The garment is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's torso and is form-fitting when worn by the wearer. The at least one sensory motor stimulation member contacts the wearer's skin when the garment is worn. The garment is fabricated from an elastomeric material that causes the at least one sensory motor stimulation member to stimulate the cutaneous nerve receptors in the wearer's skin contacted by the at least one sensory motor stimulation member.