Posture Device with Crossed Tension Straps and Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for movement analysis and posture support lack effective feedback mechanisms to correct and monitor movement behavior, particularly in the torso area, and fail to provide real-time adjustments for optimal posture.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible support element and tensioning straps that cross in the back area, equipped with sensors to detect forces, deformations, angles, and accelerations, providing feedback through adjustable counterforces in the shoulder or chest area, and optionally incorporating sensors like conductive textile threads, gyroscopes, or accelerometers to record and evaluate movement states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible support element with tensioning straps is used to support posture, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but the ability to provide real-time feedback and precise measurement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidmeasurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flexible support element with sensor systems (force sensors, deformation sensors, angle sensors, acceleration sensors) to integrate comfort functionality with measurement capability. The sensors are embedded within or attached to the flexible support structure, allowing simultaneous posture support and real-time data collection without compromising either comfort or measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor systems as intermediaries between the flexible support element and the user's posture. These sensors detect physical quantities (forces, deformations, angles, accelerations) and convert them into measurable signals, enabling the flexible support structure to provide both mechanical support and precise measurement feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to detect forces, deformations, angles and accelerations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that can detect multiple physical quantities (forces, deformations, angles, accelerations) simultaneously using integrated sensor modules. This allows a single sensor system to perform multiple measurement functions, improving detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity compared to using separate sensors for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes sensors that detect changes in physical parameters (force, deformation, angle, acceleration) and converts them into electrical signals for processing. By monitoring parameter changes rather than requiring complex mechanical measurement mechanisms, the system achieves high measurement precision with relatively simple sensor-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If tensioning straps are guided crossing in the back area to detect torsional movements, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion detectionVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable fastening devices that allow dynamic adjustment of the tensioning straps' attachment points on the carrier element. This enables the system to adapt to different users and measurement requirements, maintaining ease of operation while preserving the crossed strap configuration's ability to detect torsional movements through controlled tension and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables improved movement analysis and feedback, encouraging upright posture by detecting torsional movements and providing adjustable support, allowing for continuous adjustment of posture and real-time feedback to the wearer.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor is assigned to the carrier element, the tension belts and/or the stiffening elements, which sensor detects e.g. forces, deformations, angles and/or accelerations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

Implementation Method 2

A waist belt is fitted with an elastic back band. On the elastic back band, elastic strips are arranged in the shoulder area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

sensors like conductive textile threads, gyroscopes, or accelerometers to record and evaluate movement states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 4

sensors like conductive textile threads, gyroscopes, or accelerometers to record and evaluate movement states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2490631B1Device for detecting and/or influencing posture
Publication Date: 2013.10.23 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP2490631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2490631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2490631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting and/or influencing posture, comprising a flexible support element (2), on which a fixing unit (3) for arranging the device (1) at the waist height of a wearer of the device (1) is arranged. First ends (41, 51) of the tension straps (4, 5) are fastened to the fixing unit (3) and guided so as to cross each other in the back area, second ends (42, 52) of the tension straps being fastened to the support element (2) in the frontal shoulder or chest area.