Maternity Support Belt with Counter-Rotational Pelvic Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for abdominal and lower back support during pregnancy often fail to adequately address hip pain and provide insufficient stabilization for the pelvic region, leading to discomfort and poor posture.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece support belt with an upper wraparound belt and a lower tensionable belt that applies counter-rotational force to the anteriorly tilted pelvis, combined with a pocket for hot or cold therapy, to relieve hip pain and provide pelvic stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece support belt is worn over an undergarment or next to the skin, then abdominal support is provided, but hip pain relief is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper abdominal support portion and a lower hip support portion with separate adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each portion to independently address specific needs - abdominal support and hip pain relief - while maintaining a unified one-piece structure that is easy to manufacture and wear.
2Strength
If the belt provides lumbar support, then lower back support is improved, but pelvic stabilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lower hip support portion applies counter-rotational force to the anteriorly tilted pelvis, creating a balancing effect that stabilizes the pelvic region. The adjustable tensioning system allows the user to apply appropriate counter-force to counteract the forward tilt caused by pregnancy weight, thereby improving pelvic stabilization while maintaining lumbar support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the belt is tensionable over the iliotibial band, then hip pain relief is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower hip support portion incorporates adjustable tensioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the belt's tightness and position. This enables the user to optimize the counter-rotational force and compression on the iliotibial band according to their specific needs, achieving effective hip pain relief while maintaining a relatively simple one-piece structure through modular adjustment features.
Data Source
AI summary
A one piece maternity support for the relief of discomfort associated with the progressive changes in the human body associated with a normal pregnancy. The support has a body encircling upper band for the support of the lower uterine segment and a lower belt having a pair of tensionable arms that connect to the upper band to support the lumbar region and offer counter rotational force for the anteriorly tilted pelvis. The position of the lower arms is optimized to apply a constant pressure to the muscles above the hip joint providing relief from so-called hip pain associated with many pregnancies.