Sacral Support Device with Vented Relief for Spinal Equilibrium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating products fail to provide long-term comfort and support for the lower back, leading to fatigue and pain due to inadequate support in the sacral region, which is critical for maintaining spinal equilibrium.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic spinal support device with a vented center relief portion, relief arms, and a support frame that adjusts to provide targeted pressure relief and support, allowing for proper sacral positioning and reducing pressure on the sacrum, thereby enhancing user comfort and reducing fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional seating products use simple cushioning or adjustable lumbar support devices, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but long-term comfort and pain relief are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into distinct functional zones: a sacral support zone with elevated rear surface for sacral positioning, a lumbar support zone with contouring for lower back support, and a cushioning zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function effectively, providing long-term comfort through targeted support rather than uniform cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support device have different structural properties: the sacral region has an elevated rear surface for positioning, the lumbar region has contouring for support, and specific areas have varying density foam for targeted pressure relief. This local differentiation of structural qualities enables long-term comfort and pain relief by addressing specific anatomical needs rather than providing uniform support.
2Ease of operation
If lumbar support devices are added to the seat back, then lower back comfort is improved in the short term, but long-term comfort and pain relief are not achieved due to shape and location issues
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is pre-shaped with an elevated rear surface and contouring that automatically positions the sacrum and lumbar region in correct anatomical alignment when the user sits down. This preliminary positioning action occurs before the user settles into the seat, ensuring proper spinal equilibrium is established from the beginning of use, which enables long-term comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates curved and contoured surfaces that match the natural curvature of the sacrum and lumbar spine. The elevated rear surface and contouring follow anatomical curves, providing sustained support that maintains proper spinal alignment during extended sitting periods, thereby achieving long-term comfort and pain relief.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the support device includes a vented center relief portion and support frame, then pressure relief and sacral positioning are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates a vented center relief portion with holes or openings in the cushioning material. This porous structure allows pressure to be relieved and redistributed across the sitting surface, reducing localized pressure points on the sacrum and improving comfort without requiring complex active pressure management systems.
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 effectively maintains spinal equilibrium, reduces fatigue and back pain by providing adjustable support tailored to individual needs, and integrates seamlessly with various seating types, improving posture and comfort during extended use.
Implementation Method 1
The main body has a vented center relief area that flexes to relieve and/or redistribute localized pressure from the spine
Implementation Method 2
The spine orienting and supporting device, preferably made from thermoplastics, adjusts and/or supports the sacrum thereby orienting the pelvis to assist in maintaining the spine in neutral equilibrium
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a spine orienting device for integration into a variety of types of seats, for example, automotive seats or office type seating, in order to properly position the sacrum of the individual using the seat, which in turn will properly pivot the pelvis to assist in maintaining the spine in equilibrium.