Segmented Spine Stretching Belt with Gravity Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning and stretching the spine, such as chiropractic care and compression belts, are inadequate in maintaining neutral posture and providing long-term relief from back pain, as they fail to effectively stretch and align the spine when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A segmented belt system with a layered construction, rings, universal hook, and gambrel, which wraps around the torso and uses gravity to stretch and align the spine by creating a gripping action, allowing for adjustable tension and mounting to various support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression belt is used to alleviate back pain, then back pain relief is provided while being worn, but the spine is not stretched and aligned, and pain returns when not worn
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into multiple segments or zones with different functions: a compression zone for pain relief, a stretching zone with rigid elements for spine alignment, and flexible zones for comfort and movement. This segmentation allows the belt to simultaneously provide both compression and stretching functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two previously separate functions (compression for pain relief and stretching for alignment) into a single integrated belt system. The compression elements and stretching elements are merged into one device that performs both functions concurrently.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stretching methods are used to align the spine, then neutral posture is promoted, but the effect is not maintained when not actively stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The belt pre-positions the spine in a neutral alignment through its rigid segments and structural design before the user even wears it. The stretching action is built into the device's structure, so simply wearing the belt performs the stretching action automatically without requiring user effort or active participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt is designed to automatically maintain spine alignment through its own structural properties. The rigid segments and mechanical design create continuous stretching force on the spine, making the alignment maintenance self-sustaining without requiring active user engagement or external intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a segmented belt with gripping action is used to suspend the torso, then the spine is stretched and aligned using gravity, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only specific portions of the belt contain rigid segments or gripping elements, while other portions remain flexible and simple. The complexity is localized to where it is most needed (at contact points with the spine and torso), while the rest of the belt maintains simplicity for comfort and ease of wear.
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 stretches and aligns the spine, promoting neutral posture and relieving back pain by using gravity to maintain the correct lumbar curve, providing immediate relief and promoting muscle relaxation and alignment in 3D planes.
Implementation Method 1
The device may be used to stretch and align a user's spine using gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A stretching device for stretching and aligning a user's back may include a belt, optionally a gambrel and universal hook, and optionally a support system, such as a slotted door mount. The belt may be designed to wrap around the user's back and under the user's armpits, wherein the belt is a segmented belt having a plurality of raised segments spaced along a length of the belt. Rings may be attached to each end of the belt, wherein the rings may be designed to engage with a mounting device, such as the gambrel and universal hook.