Lumbar Support Belt with Adjustable Return Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lumbar support devices lack the ability to easily adjust the positioning of a secondary belt relative to a primary belt, leading to inadequate support in unsupported areas and discomfort when the secondary belt is fixed irreversibly.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar support device featuring a belt with adjustable return straps that can translate vertically and be secured by sliding means, allowing users to customize the height and positioning of additional support, while being removable for convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the second belt is fixed to the first belt at the dorsal plastron, then the support structure is stable and reliable, but the user cannot adjust the positioning of the second belt relative to the first belt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure stabilityVSAvoidpositioning adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed connection between the first and second belts into a dynamic, adjustable connection. The second belt is equipped with movable attachment means that can slide along the first belt's attachment surface, allowing the user to dynamically reposition the second belt vertically while maintaining a secure fixed connection. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both stability (through the fixed nature of the connection) and adjustability (through the sliding capability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the second belt is made removable from the first belt, then the user can adjust positioning easily, but the support structure becomes less stable and reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning adjustabilityVSAvoidsupport structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into a first belt with a fixed attachment surface and a second belt with movable attachment means. This segmentation allows the second belt to be easily removed and repositioned (improving ease of operation) while the first belt maintains its stable, fixed structure (preserving reliability). The attachment interface is designed to provide secure connection when engaged while allowing simple detachment and repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If attachment members are arranged along the length of the return strap, then the strap can be secured at multiple positions, but the attachment members may snag the user's clothing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning optionsVSAvoidclothing snagging
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent concentrates the attachment functionality at specific locations rather than distributing it along the entire length of the return strap. The attachment members are positioned only at the ends of the return strap, providing sufficient positioning options (at the extremes) while eliminating the harmful effect of snagging that would occur with attachment members distributed along the strap's length. This local concentration of functionality resolves the contradiction between versatility and avoiding harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2136744B1Lumbar support device
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 THUASNE SA
  • EP2136744B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2136744B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2136744B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

The invention relates to a lumbar support device (1) including a belt (2) with two ends (2a, 2b) provided with first complementary attachment members (2c, 2d) for closing the same and a return strap (3) with two ends (3a, 3b) provided with second attachment members (3c, 3d) for closing it on itself and/or on the outer face (2e) of said belt (2) via connection and blocking means (4, 5).