Postural Awareness Device with Segmented Spinal Cradles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing postural awareness devices typically only support one aspect of the spine and fail to address the entire spine in a longitudinal plane, leading to inadequate posture correction for neck, upper back, and lower back discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A postural awareness device with a vertical core and attached cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral cradles that provide simultaneous support and gentle pressure cues, along with embedded sensors to alert users of improved posture through tactile feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing postural awareness devices are used, then they provide support for one aspect of the spine, but they fail to address the entire spine in a longitudinal plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal coverageVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple distinct cradles (cervical cradle, thoracic cradle, lumbosacral cradle) that can be separately positioned along the vertical core to correspond with different spinal regions, allowing each segment to address specific postural needs while collectively covering the entire spine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from supporting a single point or region of the spine to providing longitudinal support along the entire vertical axis of the spine by arranging multiple cradles at different heights on the vertical core, creating a three-dimensional support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a vertical core with multiple cradles is used, then comprehensive spinal support is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture correction effectivenessVSAvoidstructural components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical core serves as a universal support structure that can accommodate multiple cradles at different positions, making it a multi-functional element that provides both structural support and serves as the framework for attaching various spinal region cradles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cradles are merged into a single integrated device through their attachment to the common vertical core, combining what would otherwise be separate postural support devices into one unified system that addresses the entire spine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11497416B1Postural awareness device

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 LYONS ANNE KATHERINE

AI summary

A postural awareness device designed to improve an individual's posture may include a vertical core designed to be positioned vertically along a user's back; a cervical cradle attached to an upper portion of the vertical core, the cervical cradle designed to be positioned in alignment with a user's cervical spine; a thoracic cradle attached to a central portion of the vertical core, the thoracic cradle designed to be positioned in alignment with a user's thoracic spine; and a lumbosacral cradle attached to a bottom portion of the vertical core, the lumbosacral cradle designed to be positioned in alignment with a user's lumbar spine.