Seated Spinal Traction Chair with Gravity Recline

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traction devices for back pain relief are often difficult to use, expensive, and pose safety concerns, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or certain health conditions, as they require inversion or complex setups that may not effectively apply spinal decompression.

Innovation Solution

A chair-like device with uniquely designed straps that wrap around the torso and lower body, allowing users to apply traction by reclining, which effectively decompresses the spine without the need for inversion or pneumatic/hydraulic pressure, making it easy to use, safe, and affordable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inversion tables are used for spinal traction, then traction effect is achieved, but safety risks increase due to falling, glaucoma, and extreme blood flow to the head

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfalling, glaucoma, extreme blood flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a seated reclining position instead of hanging upside down. The chair back reclines to apply traction while the user remains seated with feet on the floor, eliminating the harmful effects of head inversion while maintaining spinal decompression benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful gravitational force that causes blood rush to the head during inversion into a beneficial force by reclining the chair back. The gravity-assisted reclining motion applies gentle traction to the spine without the dangerous effects of upside-down positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If table type traction devices with pneumatic cylinders are used, then traction can be applied, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction effectivenessVSAvoidpneumatic cylinder, pump mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chair's backrest is designed to recline automatically using gravity and the user's own body weight when they lean back. No external power source, pump, or complex mechanism is needed - the user's natural movement provides the traction force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates pneumatic or hydraulic systems entirely, replacing them with a simple mechanical reclining chair mechanism that uses gravity and friction to provide controlled spinal traction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If table type traction devices with flat surfaces and belts are used, then traction structure is provided, but strap effectiveness decreases because belts cannot effectively grasp the patient's body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction structureVSAvoidstrap grip effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lower strap is designed with a curved configuration that wraps around the buttocks and hips, conforming to the body's natural contours. This curved design allows the strap to effectively grasp and hold the body against the reclining surface, preventing slippage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different strap configurations in different locations: the lower strap wraps around the buttocks and hips with a curved path, while the upper strap secures the torso. Each strap is positioned and shaped to optimize grip effectiveness at that specific body location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If table type traction devices require user to get on knees or crawl to use, then device can be used at home, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehome use capabilityVSAvoiddifficulty to get in and out

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a standard chair that can be used by anyone regardless of age or physical ability. The familiar chair form factor with footrest and backrest makes it universally accessible without requiring special positioning or physical maneuvers to enter or exit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides effective and comfortable spinal decompression, suitable for home or clinical use, offering relief from lower back discomfort without the risks associated with inversion tables or other complex devices, and is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic material between the torso strap and the lower body strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11395755B2Method for applying spinal traction

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 BAXRELAX LLC

AI summary

A method is provided for treating back pain whereby a person sits comfortably in a seated position in a chair and fastens their upper body above the waist to the seat back and fastens their lower body at just above the buttocks and then by means of leaning back allows the seat back to pull the person's upper body away from their lower body providing spinal traction.