Head-Up Spinal Decompression Device with Adjustable X-Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinal decompression methods, such as inversion therapy, pose risks for individuals with certain health conditions and lack user control over the amount of tension applied to the spine, particularly when performed in a head-down position.

Innovation Solution

A spinal decompression device with adjustable crosspieces that allow users to suspend themselves with their head up, utilizing gravity to stretch the spine, with customizable arm height and width to control the amount of body weight distribution, ensuring safety and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inversion therapy is used for spinal decompression, then spinal pressure is reduced and vertebrae spacing is increased, but health risks increase for users with high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal decompression effectivenessVSAvoidhealth risks for users with certain conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional inversion therapy approach by having users hang in an upright position rather than upside down. The device uses two crosspieces that form an X shape, allowing users to suspend themselves with their head up, thereby achieving spinal decompression without the harmful effects of head-down inversion on blood pressure, heart rate, and eye pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows users to adjust the amount of decompression by changing the position of their feet on the ground and adjusting the height of the arms. This parameter adjustment enables control over the degree of spinal decompression while maintaining safety for users with health conditions that prevent traditional inversion therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional inversion tables or gravity boots are used, then spinal decompression is achieved, but user control over the amount of tension on the spine is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal decompression effectivenessVSAvoiduser control over decompression amount

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable arms with movable positions along the crosspieces, allowing users to dynamically adjust the arm height and width during treatment. The feet can also be positioned at different locations on the ground, enabling real-time control over the amount of body weight suspended and thus the degree of spinal decompression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable design allows the same device to accommodate different user needs and preferences. Users can modify the arm positions and foot placements to achieve various levels of decompression intensity, making the device adaptable to different conditions and comfort levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the device structure is made adjustable for customization, then user comfort and control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customization capabilityVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate adjustable components: two crosspieces that can move independently, arms that can be positioned at different heights, and feet that can be placed at various locations. This segmentation allows for customization without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, as each component can be adjusted independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables safe and controlled spinal decompression in a head-up position, allowing users to manage tension effectively, reducing risks associated with inversion therapy and providing a flexible, portable solution for back relief.

Implementation Method 1

a user suspends himself with his head up, taking advantage of gravity to stretch his spine and relieve tension in his back

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11638672B2Head-up spinal decompression device

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 BURCH KENNETH A

AI summary

A spinal decompression device from which a user suspends himself with his head up, taking advantage of gravity to stretch his spine and relieve tension in his back. Two crosspieces are connected at their middle portions to form an X. Each crosspiece has an arm near the top and a foot at the bottom, all extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the crosspieces. The height of the arms and their distance apart from each other are adjustable to fit each user so that the user may control the amount of his body weight suspended between the arms during treatment, by resting his feet on the ground. The device is collapsible for easier storage. A safety strap may be connected between the lower portions of each cross piece to prevent accidental collapse of the device. Wheels may be attached to the feet to make the device easier to move.