Sitting Spinal Traction Apparatus with Integrated Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed traction devices for lumbar spine pain relief are large, complex, and lack a lumbar massage function, making them unsuitable for home use and inadequate for simultaneous spine stretching and disc massage.
Innovation Solution
A compact sitting type spinal traction and disc massage apparatus comprising a chair unit, traction unit, lifting unit, and vibrating unit, which includes a moving backrest board, restricting member, and vibrating seat pad to stretch and massage the lumbar spine while allowing for waist exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bed traction device is used to stretch the spine, then the spine stretching function is achieved, but the device occupies large space and has complicated operation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traction device into modular components: a chair unit with seat member and backrest, a separate lifting unit with piston rod, and a positioning mechanism with ratchet teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair unit serves multiple functions: it provides seating support, acts as the base for the lifting mechanism, and incorporates the positioning system. The backrest board both supports the user's upper body and serves as the attachment point for the lifting unit, eliminating the need for separate structural components.
2Reliability
If a bed traction device is used to stretch the spine, then the spine stretching function is achieved, but the device requires large space for placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal bed-based traction system to a vertical sitting-based system. The lifting unit operates in the vertical dimension by extending the piston rod upward to pull the backrest board, allowing the device to be compact in horizontal footprint while maintaining effective traction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting unit is nested within the chair structure, with the piston rod housed inside the backrest board assembly. The positioning mechanism with ratchet teeth is integrated into the lifting unit structure. This nesting reduces the overall device footprint and allows compact placement in clinical or home environments.
3Reliability
If a bed traction device is used to stretch the spine, then the spine stretching function is achieved, but the device lacks lumbar massage function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spine stretching function and lumbar massage function into a single integrated device. The vibrating unit is incorporated into the seat member, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation with the lifting unit to provide both traction and massage therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair unit serves as both the seating structure and the platform for the vibrating massage mechanism. The seat member with integrated vibrating unit provides lumbar massage while the user is positioned for traction, making the device versatile for multiple therapeutic purposes.
4Area of stationary object
If a sitting type apparatus is used to reduce device size, then the device occupies less space, but the fixing and positioning mechanisms must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism uses a self-locking ratchet system where the latch member automatically engages with the ratchet teeth when the lifting unit extends, providing automatic positioning without requiring manual adjustment or complex controls. The system self-regulates the traction position through the mechanical ratchet-latch interaction.
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 apparatus effectively stretches the lumbar spine, decompresses intervertebral discs, and massages the discs, providing a compact solution for both clinical and home use, with the ability to perform waist exercises during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting unit is disposed below the moving backrest board to move the moving backrest board (23) upwardly from the seat member to stretch the user's spine
Implementation Method 2
The vibrating unit is disposed within and vibrates the seat pad
Data Source
AI summary
A sitting type spinal traction and disc massage apparatus includes a seat member, a seat pad disposed atop the seat member, a fixing member straddling the seat member and the seat pad and connected to the seat member to fix hips of a user to the seat member, and a moving backrest board disposed atop a rear end of the seat member. The moving backrest board is movable relative to the seat member. A restricting member straddles and is connected to the moving backrest board to fix the user's upper body to the moving backrest board. A lifting unit is disposed below the moving backrest board to move the moving backrest board upwardly from the seat member to stretch the user's spine. A vibrating unit is disposed within and vibrates the seat pad.