Rotating Lumbar Support with Variable Density Padding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lower back pain treatment systems are ineffective due to their inability to provide adequate relief for a wide range of body types and seating environments, often requiring multiple devices and involving cumbersome, costly, and complex apparatus that fail to address the variability of human bodies in seated settings.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lower back treatment system featuring a central core with attachment devices and a strap assembly, along with a padding assembly composed of multiple segments with varying firmness characteristics, allowing for customizable support and firmness adjustments to accommodate different body types and seating environments, eliminating the need for multiple devices and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single density padding is used for lumbar support, then manufacturing is simple, but the device cannot provide variable firmness and diameter for different body types
Solution Approach 1:
The padding is divided into multiple segments with different densities arranged in a circumferential pattern. Each segment can be independently selected and positioned to provide variable firmness and diameter adjustments, allowing the device to adapt to different body types and seating environments without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the padding have different density characteristics, with harder segments positioned in areas requiring more support and softer segments in areas requiring comfort. This local variation in padding quality enables the device to provide customized support for different regions of the lower back.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable bladders are used for lumbar support, then firmness can be adjusted, but the device becomes cumbersome and complex requiring pumping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-formed foam segments with different densities instead of inflatable bladders. These foam segments are lightweight, require no pumping mechanisms, and provide sufficient firmness adjustment through their inherent material properties. The segments can be easily inserted and removed without complex mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable pads are used for lumbar support, then firmness can be adjusted, but the device requires manual reconfiguration and lacks diameter variation
Solution Approach 1:
The padding segments are pre-configured in specific density arrangements within the device structure. Users can simply rotate or shift the entire device to access different pre-configured firmness and diameter settings, eliminating the need for manual assembly or complex reconfiguration. The segments are designed to be easily interchangeable with minimal effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are purchased to satisfy different lumbar support needs, then adequate relief for various body types is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support device incorporates multiple density segments that can be arranged in various configurations to accommodate different body types, seating environments, and support requirements. A single device provides the functionality of multiple specialized devices through its adjustable segment arrangement, reducing the total number of devices needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated lower back treatment system is provided. The system includes a central core. The system also includes attachment devices positionable on longitudinal ends of the core. The system further includes a strap, wherein an end of the strap connects with a longitudinal end of the core with the attachment device and an opposite end of the strap connects to an opposite longitudinal end of the core with another attachment device. Additionally, the system includes padding, wherein the padding assembly includes padding arranged to allow the padding to connect and form a shape over the core and wherein the padding has differing firmness characteristics such that when the padding is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the core, a user of the integrated lower back treatment system will experience different firmness values dependent upon a position of the rotated padding on a lower back of the user.