Segmented Spine Support Plate with Stabilizing Stirrups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spine support devices fail to provide adequate anatomical alignment and stability, often restricting motion and causing discomfort due to their lack of conformity to individual spinal anatomy and inadequate structural support.
Innovation Solution
A spine support device with a pliable support plate and vertically-oriented stabilizing stirrups that conform to the natural anatomy of the spine, allowing for rotation and providing adjustable stiffness, along with optional features like sensors and vibration mechanisms for improved support and pain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional braces are used to provide structural support, then spinal stability is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and restricts optimal range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple zones with varying degrees of rigidity - a rigid central region for stability and flexible peripheral regions for motion. This segmentation allows different parts of the device to serve different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, uniformly rigid structure to a dynamic system with variable stiffness. The support plate's rigidity varies by location, allowing it to adapt to different motion requirements across the spinal region it covers.
2Ease of operation
If elastic therapeutic tape is used to maintain posture, then the device remains flexible and comfortable, but it fails to provide adequate structural support and restrict motion
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines materials with different mechanical properties - a rigid support plate for structural stability and flexible adhesive layers for comfort and motion accommodation. This composite structure integrates both flexibility and structural support capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional adhesive foam supports are used, then the device is easy to apply, but it restricts proper anatomic range of motion and lacks accurate anatomical design
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate features localized variations in rigidity and geometry that match the specific anatomical requirements of different spinal regions. The central rigid zone provides support where needed while peripheral flexible zones accommodate natural motion.
4Stability of the object's composition
If uniformly rigid support structures are used, then spinal stability is improved, but the device restricts natural spinal rotation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into rigid and flexible zones, allowing it to provide stability where required while permitting natural motion in other areas. This segmentation enables the device to accommodate the complex movement patterns of the spine.
Data Source
AI summary
A spine support device includes a support plate having front and rear faces, a central opening, and a pair of stabilizing stirrups formed on the rear face of the support plate in spaced parallel relationship to augment the support provided by the support plate when positioned at its front face in contact with a portion of a person's back surrounding a region of spinal vertebra visible through the central opening in the support plate. The support plate has opposing inner side edge portions at opposing sides of the central opening and opposite peripheral side edge portions spaced outwardly therefrom with the stabilizing stirrups therebetween. The opposing inner side edge portions and the opposite peripheral side edge portions of the support plate have respective alternating peak and valley shapes for accommodating interconnecting facets of the spinal vertebra region visible through the central opening in the support plate.