Passive Spine Elongation Device with Adjustable Apex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive traction devices for spinal elongation are difficult to use and store, and do not accommodate varying user sizes effectively, making them impractical for alleviating middle and lower back pain and dysfunction due to trauma, fatigue, or aging.
Innovation Solution
A prone-positioned passive spine elongation device with a front and rear portion, featuring adjustable supports and a pivotally connected apex, allowing for customizable positioning and easy storage through foldability, utilizing gravity to provide gentle traction and elongation of the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive traction devices require the user to hang upside down, then spinal traction can be achieved, but the device becomes difficult to use and store
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to hang upside down (inverted position), the device is designed to be used in a prone (face-down) position. The frame structure is inverted relative to traditional devices, with the apex supporting the pelvis and the legs extending forward to support the upper body, thereby inverting the conventional orientation while achieving spinal traction
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a pivotally connected frame that can be adjusted between a folded storage position and an extended operational position. The apex can be positioned at different heights and angles, and the leg supports can be adjusted to accommodate various user sizes, providing dynamic adaptability for both storage convenience and effective traction
2Stability of the object's composition
If passive traction devices are designed for fixed positioning, then structural stability is maintained, but they cannot accommodate different user sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure includes pivotal connections that allow adjustment of the apex height and angle, enabling the device to adapt to different user sizes while maintaining structural stability during use. The leg supports can be positioned at various lengths and angles to accommodate individual anatomical variations
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of key geometric parameters including the apex height, the angle between legs, and the position of support surfaces. These parameter changes enable the same device structure to effectively accommodate users of different sizes while maintaining optimal traction geometry
3Device complexity
If the apex angle is fixed, then device structure is simplified, but it cannot be adjusted for different user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The apex connection between the front and rear portions of the frame is designed with pivotal movement capability, allowing the apex angle to be adjusted dynamically. This enables customization for different user requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the use of hinge mechanisms
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 effectively alleviates spasms and tightness in middle and lower back muscles and joints, providing comfortable and adjustable spinal traction, suitable for users of different sizes, and is easy to use and store.
Implementation Method 1
Passive traction devices rely on gravity and generally require the user to hang upside down
Data Source
AI summary
A passive spine elongation device has a front portion and a rear portion pivotally connected to the front leg portion. An adjustment device connected to the front portion and the rear portion allows the distance between the front and leg portions to be adjusted, thereby allowing a variable apex angle and adjustable height of the same. The front portion includes a head support, a torso support and a pelvic/hip support. The rear portion includes a leg support. The head support is spaced from the torso support, while the torso support is also spaced from the pelvic/hip support.