Segmented Back Support Cushion for Kyphotic Spine Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheelchairs with traditional back support cushions fail to provide adequate support for users with kyphotic spines, as the hunched portion of their back is not adequately supported, leading to discomfort and risk of sliding or falling sideways.
Innovation Solution
A back support cushion with independently shapeable side and central portions, allowing for adjustable curvature in the vertical direction to conform to the user's back shape, supported by flexible webs and adjustable straps for customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional back support cushions are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but users with kyphotic spines cannot receive adequate support for the hunched portion of their back
Solution Approach 1:
The back support cushion is divided into multiple independent cushion portions (first, second, and third portions) that can be shaped independently. Each portion can be bent around a horizontal axis to create vertical curvature, allowing the cushion to adapt to the contours of a kyphotic spine while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion portions are designed to be bendable and shapeable independently, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cushion's vertical curvature. This enables the cushion to adapt to different spinal configurations including kyphotic spines, while the independent shapeability maintains reasonable structural complexity through flexible rather than rigid construction
2Shape
If straps are arranged at the very back of the seat with high tension, then lateral support is provided, but the hunched part of the back cannot come into proper contact with the back rest
Solution Approach 1:
Different cushion portions are designed with different shaping capabilities - the central third portion can be bent to provide vertical curvature for the hunched back area, while the side portions maintain lateral support. This local differentiation allows the cushion to simultaneously conform to the back's curvature and provide comfortable support where needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the back cushion is made as a single unified structure, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide tailored support for different parts of the back
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is segmented into multiple independent portions that can be shaped separately, allowing tailored support for different back regions. The segments are connected in a way that preserves manufacturing simplicity while enabling customized configuration for individual user needs
4Adaptability or versatility
If cushion portions are made independently shapeable, then tailored support for kyphotic spine is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion portions are designed with dynamic shapeability rather than fixed rigid structures. Each portion can be independently bent and shaped around horizontal axes, providing adaptability for kyphotic spines while using flexible construction methods that keep the overall device complexity manageable
Data Source
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AI summary
A back support cushion (8) for use in a wheelchair (1), comprises two side portions (8a) and a central portion (8b). The side portions (8a) and the central portion (8b) are shapeable independently of the adjacent cushion portion or portions (8a, 8b). The invention also extends to a wheelchair (1) comprising such a back support cushion (8).