Systems and methods to simulate hydrostatic force on a user with minimal shear force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively distribute body weight from weight-bearing regions to non-weight-bearing regions, leading to fatigue, pressure ulcers, and adverse health effects such as chronic back pain and bone density loss, particularly in seated or upright positions, and in microgravity environments.
Innovation Solution
Systems and devices that distribute body weight over a larger surface area using Weight-Bearing Elements (WBEs) and frames, exerting forces analogous to hydrostatic forces to minimize shear forces and reduce pressure on weight-bearing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If body weight is supported by weight-bearing regions (spine, buttocks, feet) in conventional seating or standing, then the body can maintain upright posture, but pressure and shear forces on these regions increase leading to fatigue, pain, and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using buoyant forces from fluid-filled chambers to offset gravitational forces acting on the body. The inflatable structures generate upward buoyant forces that counterbalance the downward gravitational force, reducing the net load on weight-bearing regions like the spine, buttocks, and feet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic systems with inflatable chambers filled with fluid to provide support forces. The fluid-filled bladders or chambers can be inflated to exert distributed pressure against the body, creating a cushioning effect that reduces peak pressures and shear forces on contact surfaces while maintaining positional support.
2Reliability
If gravitational forces are counteracted to prevent bone density loss and muscle atrophy, then health benefits are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service principles where the user's own body weight and positioning automatically regulate the support forces provided by the inflatable structure. As the user shifts position or applies force against the structure, the pneumatic system responds passively through pressure equalization and buoyant force generation, eliminating the need for active sensors, motors, or control systems.
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 devices provide comfort and prevent health issues by distributing body weight, reducing shear forces, and maintaining muscle and bone density, applicable in various environments including microgravity.
Implementation Method 1
A buoyant force is generated that acts on the user's body to counteract a gravitational force acting on the user's body
Implementation Method 2
Systems and devices that distribute body weight over a larger surface area using Weight-Bearing Elements (WBEs) and frames, exerting forces analogous to hydrostatic forces to minimize shear forces and reduce pressure on weight-bearing structures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.