Portable Thoracic Brace With Adjustable Spinal Traction for Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back braces provide limited support and are not suitable for relieving chronic back pain, while spinal traction devices are cumbersome and require immobilization, limiting mobility.
Innovation Solution
A wearable thoracic brace with a traction rod and adjustable anchoring assemblies that apply spinal traction, allowing users to remain mobile by maintaining a set distance between anchoring points on the upper and lower torso.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional back braces are used, then they provide limited support for the spine, but they cannot effectively relieve chronic back pain
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates a dynamic traction rod with adjustable length that can be modified by the user through a locking mechanism. This allows the brace to adapt to different spinal conditions and provide variable traction forces, transforming a static support device into a dynamic therapeutic tool capable of addressing chronic pain conditions like sciatica and herniated discs
2Reliability
If bed-like traction devices are used, then spinal traction can be applied, but user mobility is impeded or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The traction device is segmented into wearable components (upper and lower anchoring assemblies) connected by a telescopic rod, allowing the user to remain mobile while receiving spinal traction. The device divides the traction function into portable segments rather than requiring a fixed bed-like structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable-length traction rod allows the device to adapt to the user's movements and posture changes, maintaining effective traction while permitting mobility. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to function during various activities rather than requiring immobilization
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional braces are used, then they are designed for all day wear, but they provide only limited lumbar or partial thoracic support
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is designed with universal anchoring assemblies that can be positioned at various heights along the spine, allowing it to provide comprehensive thoracic and lumbar support. The adjustable design enables the same device to cover different spinal regions, making it multi-functional for various back conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable traction device includes: a traction rod including a superior segment, and an inferior segment; a lower anchoring assembly coupled to the inferior segment of the traction rod, the lower anchoring assembly configured for affixing to a lower torso of a user; an upper anchoring assembly movably coupled to the superior segment of the traction rod, the upper anchoring assembly configured for affixing to an upper torso of a user; a releasable lock supported on the upper anchoring assembly, the lock having: (i) an engaged position configured to permit movement of the upper anchoring assembly in a superior direction along the superior segment of the traction rod, and prevent movement of the upper anchoring assembly in an inferior direction along the superior segment, and (ii) a disengaged position configured to permit movement of the upper anchoring assembly in the superior and inferior directions.