Pivoting Back Support for Pelvic Alignment and Torso Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating devices, particularly for wheelchair users, face challenges in simultaneously maintaining optimal pelvic alignment and balancing the upper torso without compromising either, leading to discomfort, pressure ulcers, and reduced posture control.
Innovation Solution
A back support orientation mechanism that pivots about a fixed point, allowing independent adjustment of the back support's angular orientation to balance the upper torso while maintaining contact with the posterior superior iliac spines, and includes a back support cushion with adjustable stays to support the gluteal and buttocks tissue, ensuring optimal pelvic alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the back support is adjusted to maintain optimal pelvic alignment, then pelvic stability is improved, but the ability to balance the upper torso is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The back support is divided into two independent adjustable segments: an upper back support portion for balancing the upper torso and a lower back support portion for maintaining pelvic alignment. This segmentation allows each portion to be adjusted independently to optimize both functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between pelvic stability and upper torso balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The back support incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the user to modify the angle and position of both the upper and lower portions independently. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different postural requirements, maintaining pelvic alignment while allowing optimal positioning of the upper torso for balance and comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the back support contacts the pelvic area to prevent backward tilting, then pelvic alignment is improved, but comfort and pressure distribution are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The back support features differentiated local qualities with a rigid lower portion that provides firm contact with the pelvic bones (posterior superior iliac spines) to prevent backward tilting, while the upper portion uses softer, more compliant material to distribute pressure and enhance comfort. This local differentiation allows effective pelvic support without creating pressure points that could lead to ulcers.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism changes the parameter of contact pressure distribution by using a broader contact area at the pelvic region and transitioning to a more distributed pressure pattern in the upper back area. This parameter change reduces peak pressures that could cause tissue damage while maintaining the necessary restraining force on the pelvis.
3Ease of operation
If the upper torso is balanced over the pelvic area, then posture control is improved, but pelvic alignment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The back support is segmented into independent upper and lower portions that can be adjusted separately. The upper portion can be positioned to balance the upper torso over the pelvic area for optimal posture control, while the lower portion maintains independent contact with the posterior superior iliac spines to prevent pelvic backward tilting, thus resolving the contradiction between posture control and pelvic alignment.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed back support structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different users and positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The back support incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the upper and lower portions to be independently positioned at different angles. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different users and seating positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The back support design achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single device to serve multiple purposes: maintaining pelvic alignment, balancing the upper torso, and adapting to different users. This universality is accomplished through independent adjustment mechanisms that allow the same structure to be configured for various postural requirements without requiring multiple different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A back support is pivotally oriented to locate a pivot point relative to posterior superior iliac spines of a seated user, such that when an upper portion of the back support contacts the upper torso of the user and moves to a desired angular orientation to balance the upper torso over the pelvic area, the back support transfers support to the posterior superior iliac spines to maintain the pelvic skeletal structure in alignment. A lower portion of the back support angularly contacts, supports and confines gluteal and buttocks tissue of the user independently of the degree of pivotal orientation of the upper portion.