Pelvic Realignment Device Using Isometric Leg Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for addressing lower back pain primarily use traction force, which provides temporary relief but fails to realign, stabilize, or strengthen the pelvis and associated muscle groups, leading to recurring pain issues.
Innovation Solution
A physical therapy device that isometrically engages the user's legs at the thigh level, using handles and leg rests to apply rotational force, thereby realigning the pelvis and strengthening the hip extensors and flexors to maintain alignment and alleviate pressure on the lower spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traction force devices are used to separate joint surfaces and relieve pressure on intervertebral discs, then lower back pain is temporarily alleviated, but the pain-relieving effect stops within minutes to hours and the device does not realign, stabilize, or strengthen the pelvis and muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple previously separate functions into one integrated system: pelvic realignment through rotational force, stabilization through isometric engagement, and muscle strengthening through resistance exercise. The longitudinal body with deviating leg rests and handles integrates all these functions into a single cohesive device that addresses both immediate pain relief and long-term rehabilitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traction to separate joint surfaces, applies rotational force to realign the pelvis, creates isometric engagement to stabilize the lumbar spine, and offers resistance to strengthen hip muscles. This multi-functionality ensures both temporary pain relief and lasting rehabilitation outcomes.
2Stress or pressure
If a straight bar is used for traction force by pushing against legs, then joint surfaces are separated and pressure on discs is reduced, but the device fails to engage the pelvis and muscle groups for long-term stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different types of force at different locations: longitudinal traction force at the leg level to separate joint surfaces, rotational torque at the pelvic level through deviating leg rests to realign the pelvis, and isometric resistance at the hip muscle level to strengthen supporting muscles. Each local application is optimized for its specific therapeutic purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg rests deviate from the longitudinal axis at specific angles, creating a curved or angled engagement path that naturally guides the application of rotational force to the pelvis. This geometric configuration enables the device to simultaneously provide linear traction and rotational realignment without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traction force is applied to separate joint surfaces, then immediate pain relief is achieved, but the underlying misalignment and muscle imbalance remain unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The device first applies traction force to immediately separate joint surfaces and relieve pain, then simultaneously prepares the pelvis for realignment through rotational engagement, and finally strengthens muscles through isometric resistance. This sequence of preliminary actions ensures both immediate symptom relief and preparation for long-term structural correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous therapeutic action by combining immediate pain relief through traction with ongoing pelvic realignment and muscle strengthening. The isometric engagement and resistance exercises ensure that the useful therapeutic effect continues beyond the immediate traction period, addressing both acute symptoms and chronic underlying issues.
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 realigns the pelvis, reduces lower back pain, and strengthens the muscle groups, providing lasting relief and rehabilitation by using isometric contractions to rotate the pelvis and engage the user's hip muscles.
Implementation Method 1
The device isometrically engages the user's legs at the thigh level when the user urges the legs in opposite directions in order to impart rotational force on the user's lower extremities and pelvis
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for correcting pelvic misalignment includes a generally elongated body with handles at each end, and leg rest portions formed between the handles. The leg rest portions are configured to receive a user's legs at the upper leg/thigh, and to allow the user to isometrically urge their legs in opposite directions, forward and backward, while grasping the handles to hold the tool in place, statically. As a result, a force result on the user's pelvis, creating a rotation that can re-align the user's pelvis with their lumbar spine, and reduce lower back pain.