Modular Postural Support Structure for Personalized Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing postural systems fail to provide personalized and adaptable support for individuals with varying anatomical morphologies, particularly those affected by central nervous system diseases, and are not economically viable for mass production.

Innovation Solution

A modular postural system comprising a flat base plate and adjustable, removably coupled modular blocks that can be shaped and sized to accommodate the user's specific anatomy, including the pelvis, spine, and legs, with a modular padding system for customizable support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If bespoke postural systems are constructed for individuals, then correct support and containment for the pelvis is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect support and containment for the pelvisVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The postural system is divided into modular components including a base plate, pelvis support module, back support module, and leg support module. Each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled, eliminating the need for complex bespoke production while maintaining customization capability through selective module combination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular modules are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that allow them to be combined in various configurations to accommodate different anatomical morphologies. The same basic modules can serve multiple users with different requirements, reducing production complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If removable accessories are added to modify the shaped conformation, then some adaptability is achieved, but the system cannot fully conform to individual anatomical conformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual anatomical conformationVSAvoidconformation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple independent modules (base plate, pelvis support, back support, leg support) that can be selectively combined. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific anatomical regions while maintaining overall adaptability to individual conformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the support system. Modules can be added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to changing anatomical needs over time, maintaining both adaptability and manufacturing precision through standardized coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2575721B1Postural system
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 PRO MEDICARE SRL
  • EP2575721B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2575721B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2575721B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

This invention relates to a postural system which can advantageously be used by both properly walking persons and non-ambulant and partially ambulant persons, and in the latter case is suitable for use with or incorporation with medical support devices for mobility, medical devices for rehabilitation and social or domestic life and the like: this system may also be advantageously used with or incorporated with transport means. The postural system according to the invention provides a supporting structure comprising a flat base plate (10) and a plurality of modular blocks (20a -20f, 30a -30d, 40a - 40f, 50a - 50e, 80a - 80b) intended to support various segments of the user's body (legs, pelvis, spine and so on). The number, shape, size and orientation of the said modular blocks can be suitably selected to obtain a perfect fit for the user's shape (whether male or female) and encourage perfect housing of the body and a correct weight distribution over the entire surface of the seat.