Proprioceptive Feedback Device for Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The majority of the U.S. population is obese and overweight, leading to elevated cortisol levels and emotional afflictions due to spinal misalignment and improper nerve stimulation from tense back muscles and imbalances, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two elongate resiliently compressible members coupled together to provide proprioceptive feedback during breathing exercises, with attachment options for both sitting and supine postures, offering traction and massage-like effects on the spine, and a method that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system by positioning these members against the user's back to facilitate spinal alignment and relaxation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing technologies are used to address obesity and spinal misalignment, then treatment effectiveness is limited, but the device complexity and cost increase with more invasive interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service through proprioceptive feedback during breathing exercises. The compressible members provide automatic feedback when the user's back contacts them during inhalation, eliminating the need for external monitoring or complex control systems while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical state of feedback delivery by using compression of resilient members during breathing cycles. This transforms ordinary breathing into a therapeutic mechanism that provides rhythmic proprioceptive stimulation without requiring complex active control systems
2Stability of the object's composition
If spinal alignment is improved through manual adjustment, then immediate relief is achieved, but the effects are temporary and require repeated sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by providing rhythmic proprioceptive feedback synchronized with the user's breathing cycles. Each inhalation compresses the resilient members, delivering repeated stimulation that reinforces proper spinal alignment over time, transforming temporary adjustments into sustained posture correction
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements continuous feedback during breathing exercises. The compressible members provide real-time proprioceptive information about spinal contact and breathing mechanics, allowing the user to self-correct posture and maintain alignment without requiring repeated professional adjustments
3Reliability
If breathing exercises are performed without feedback, then the practice is simple and accessible, but proprioceptive awareness and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and amplifies the proprioceptive feedback that naturally occurs during breathing by isolating specific contact points on the back. The compressible members selectively sense and feedback spinal contact information, providing enhanced awareness without requiring complex sensors or electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient compressible members serve as mechanical intermediaries between the spine and the user's awareness. They translate subtle spinal movements and breathing mechanics into tactile feedback that the user can perceive and use to improve proprioceptive control
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 device and method enhance proprioceptive feedback, promote spinal alignment, reduce cortisol levels, and improve respiratory function by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to weight reduction and healthier posture over the long term.
Implementation Method 1
two elongate resiliently compressible members so coupled together as to remain in parallel relation during use of the device when positioned against the back of a user
Implementation Method 2
two elongate resiliently compressible members so coupled together as to remain in parallel relation during use of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device for facilitating or enhancing proprioceptive feedback during breathing and related exercises includes a user attachment component attachable to a user about the thorax. Two elongate tensile members are connected at proximal ends to the user attachment component at points essentially just below the armpits of a user. These two elongate tensile members are connectable at their distal ends to the feet of the user. Another two tensile members are connected at their proximal ends to a back portion or strap of the harness and at their distal ends to or about the user's hands.