Lumbar Support Ribs with X-Shaped Crossing Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lumbar-supporting devices fail to effectively address the high prevalence and economic impact of low back pain, particularly in professions involving manual handling and whole-body vibrations, by not providing adequate shock absorption and spinal protection.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar-supporting back-bracing apparatus with a support portion featuring posterior ribs and a bracing web component, coupled with a belt portion for secure fitting, designed to dampen vibrations and distribute physical load across vertebral discs, incorporating rigid x-shaped crossing structures and layered materials for enhanced durability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lumbar support belts are used, then basic lumbar support is provided, but adequate shock absorption and vibration damping are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into multiple posterior ribs (at least three) that are coupled together through rigid crossing structures. Each rib can be independently configured to abut against the spine at specific vertebral levels, allowing segmented vibration damping across different regions of the lumbar spine while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines rigid crossing structures (made of rigid material) with flexible webbing materials to create a composite bracing system. The rigid crossings provide vibration damping and structural support, while the flexible webbing provides comfort and adaptability, achieving effective shock absorption without excessive complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid support structures are added to dampen vibrations, then vibration damping improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid crossing structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they couple adjacent posterior ribs together, provide vibration damping, offer structural support, and create the necessary rigidity for shock absorption. By merging these functions into a single structural element, the design achieves effective shock absorption without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Strength
If multiple posterior ribs are used to distribute load, then load distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each posterior rib is configured to abut against the spine at specific vertebral levels, providing localized support where needed. The ribs can be positioned to target specific areas of the lumbar spine, allowing effective load distribution across multiple vertebral levels while keeping each individual rib relatively simple in structure
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 apparatus provides pain relief, improves postural control, increases mobility, and facilitates rehabilitation by reducing the risk of low back pain through effective load distribution and vibration damping, thereby reducing work-related accidents and costs.
Implementation Method 1
each rib of the plurality of posterior ribs is physically coupled to an adjacent rib of the plurality of posterior ribs by a respective one of the rigid x-shaped crossing structures, thereby dampening vibrations of the apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A back-bracing apparatus and associated methods of use and/or manufacture are provided. The apparatus includes support and belt portions. The support portion includes a plurality of posterior ribs configured to abut and extend along a low back of a user and a bracing web component having a plurality of crossing structures coupling adjacent ribs. At least one rib includes first and second upper slots disposed at opposite sides of an upper portion of the rib and first and second lower slots disposed at opposite sides of a lower portion of the rib. The belt portion includes an inner strap coupled to the support portion and configured to wrap around a torso and a low back of the user, and upper and lower outer straps configured to pass through the first and second upper slots and the first and second lower slots, respectively, and wrap around the inner strap.