Lumbar Support Belt with Elastic Back Panel for Morphology Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lumbar support devices with fixed-angle reinforcing elements fail to adapt to individual patient morphology, leading to discomfort and reduced therapeutic effectiveness due to inadequate support.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar support device featuring an elastic belt with adjustable elongate reinforcing elements and a back panel that limits belt extensibility, allowing the elements to pivot and conform to the patient's hip-to-waist morphology, improving comfort and therapeutic outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reinforcing elements are fastened at fixed angles determined by the manufacturer, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to individual patient morphology leading to discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient morphologyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back panel is made elastic rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape to different patient morphologies. When the patient wears the belt and tightens it, the elastic back panel deforms to accommodate the patient's hip-to-waist contours, causing the reinforcing elements to pivot to appropriate angles automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elasticity parameter of the back panel is specifically designed to allow deformation within a controlled range. This parameter change enables the back panel to transition from a rigid support structure to a flexible adaptive one, permitting the reinforcing elements to change their angular orientation according to the patient's body shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a rigid plate is used to fasten reinforcing elements, then the support structure is stable and strong, but the patient experiences discomfort during prolonged wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidsupport structure strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The back panel is constructed as a flexible elastic shell rather than a rigid plate. This flexible structure maintains sufficient support strength through its elastic properties and geometric configuration, while simultaneously adapting to the patient's body contours to prevent discomfort during prolonged wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines elastic material (back panel) with rigid reinforcing elements to create a composite structure. The elastic back panel provides comfort and adaptability, while the rigid reinforcing elements maintain structural integrity and support strength, achieving a balance between comfort and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the belt is made fully elastic to accommodate different patients, then the device is comfortable and adaptive, but the reinforcing elements cannot maintain proper support angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidreinforcing element angle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The back panel is segmented into different zones with varying elastic properties. The upper portion has controlled elasticity to allow pivot movement of the reinforcing elements, while other portions maintain sufficient rigidity to preserve support angles. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of adaptability and angular stability.

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

The device enhances patient comfort and adherence to wearing the support by allowing the reinforcing elements to adjust to the patient's unique morphology, thereby improving the therapeutic effect and extending wear duration.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic belt provided, at its ends, with complementary closure means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a back panel that extends over the height of the belt and that has its top portion connected to the top ends only of said side reinforcing elements so as to act as a restraining piece suitable for limiting the extensibility of the belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS9220626B2Support device, in particular for giving lumbar support

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 THUASNE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support device, in particular for giving lumbar support, which device comprises an elastic belt provided, at its ends, with complementary closure means, and at least one elongate side reinforcing element that is fastened over the height of the belt. In characteristic manner, over a fraction of its length, the belt has elasticity that varies over the height thereof, so that extending the belt longitudinally causes the elongate reinforcing element to shift angularly towards a respective one of the ends of the belt.