Pneumatic Spinal Traction Bladder System for Cervical Lordosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spinal traction systems fail to maintain or restore the natural lordotic curve of the cervical spine and counter hyper-kyphosis of the upper and mid thoracic spine, leading to disc dehydration, degeneration, and nerve damage, while also neglecting the compression of the occipital-cervical junction.

Innovation Solution

A decompression and traction system using pneumatic radial forces applied through expandable bladders positioned around the cervical and thoracic spine, with specific force vectors to maintain and enhance the lordotic curve, reduce thoracic hyper-kyphosis, and decompress the occipital-cervical junction, utilizing a frame with adjustable bladders and a pump system for controlled inflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If axial linear traction is applied to separate spinal joints, then joint decompression is achieved, but the cervical lordotic curve is reduced or removed and TMJ pain occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint decompression forceVSAvoidcervical lordotic curve

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The traction system is divided into multiple independent inflatable bladders positioned at different locations (cervical region, thoracic region, occipital region) that can be inflated separately to apply localized forces, allowing joint decompression without compromising the overall cervical curve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the spine receive different types and magnitudes of traction forces through specifically positioned bladders. The cervical bladders apply force to decompress joints while the occipital and thoracic bladders apply counteracting forces to maintain the lordotic curve geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If forward flexion is applied in conjunction with linear traction to pry joints apart, then joint separation is enhanced, but the cervical curve is reversed and buckling force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint separation forceVSAvoidcervical spine curvature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The occipital and thoracic bladders provide counterbalancing forces that oppose the flexion-induced buckling. These bladders inflate to push the occiput and thoracic spine in directions that counteract the forward flexion, preventing curve reversal while allowing controlled joint separation in the cervical region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Force

If the head and thorax are separated by expanding air chamber in linear function, then axial traction is achieved, but the cervical curve is reduced or reversed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial traction forceVSAvoidcervical curve geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from unidirectional axial traction to multi-dimensional force application by positioning bladders in different spatial locations and orientations. The occipital bladder applies force in the cranial-caudal direction, cervical bladders apply lateral and anterior-posterior forces, and thoracic bladders provide counterbalancing forces, creating a three-dimensional force system that preserves curve geometry while achieving decompression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system effectively decompresses and enhances the cervical lordotic curve, reduces thoracic hyper-kyphosis, and decompresses the occipital-cervical junction, promoting nutrient transport to discs, reducing pain, and increasing spinal mobility, thereby addressing the limitations of existing traction methods.

Implementation Method 1

A decompression and traction system using pneumatic radial forces applied through expandable bladders positioned around the cervical and thoracic spine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10363193B2Systems and methods for decompression, elliptical traction, and linear traction of the occiput, cervical spine, and thoracic spine

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 GRAHAM RICHARD A

AI summary

A traction device has a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, and a third inflatable bladder portion. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in a first angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally inferior to and to the side of the first bladder. The third bladder expands in a second angular direction. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the first angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region. Upon expanding in the third angular direction, the third bladder bears angularly against the user's occiput.