Motorized Spinal Decompression Actuator with Pelvic Harness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal therapy methods for lumbar region back pain, such as manual traction and mechanical devices, often fail to apply varying decompressive forces effectively over time and from multiple angles, leading to limited therapeutic outcomes due to static forces and muscle contraction issues.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic harness system with a decompression actuator that applies cyclical decompressive forces to the lumbar spine, allowing for precise alignment and controlled elongation of vertebrae and intervertebral discs, using a motorized system to adjust the pelvic harness and apply forces that cycle between maximum and minimum levels to avoid muscle guarding and enhance rehydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual traction or basic mechanical devices are used, then the treatment is simple to apply, but the decompressive force is static and cannot vary over time or from multiple angles
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression apparatus employs a motorized actuator that dynamically adjusts the decompressive force applied to the lumbar spine throughout the treatment cycle. The actuator moves the pelvic harness through a range of motion, varying the magnitude and direction of decompressive forces applied to targeted intervertebral discs over time, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic decompressive cycles where the actuator applies decompressive force, holds it, releases it, and repeats the sequence. This periodic action allows the decompressive force to vary over time in a controlled manner, enabling therapeutic benefits while maintaining automated operation that is easy to apply.
2Force
If continuous decompressive force is applied, then traction effect is maintained, but muscle contraction and guarding occur reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression apparatus applies decompressive force in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Each cycle includes phases of force application, holding, and release, which prevents sustained muscle contraction and guarding. This periodic pattern maintains therapeutic effectiveness by allowing muscles to relax between force applications while still achieving cumulative decompressive benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Before applying maximum decompressive force, the system performs preliminary movements to gradually prepare the spinal tissues and muscles. This gradual preparation reduces the likelihood of immediate muscle guarding when full decompressive force is applied, thereby maintaining reliability of the therapeutic effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized decompression system is used, then varying decompressive forces can be applied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a pelvic harness for patient attachment, a motorized actuator for force application, a positioning mechanism for angle adjustment, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to operate as a integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized actuator serves multiple functions: it applies decompressive force, controls the timing of force application, adjusts the magnitude of force, and coordinates the periodic cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability for varying decompressive force patterns.
4Device complexity
If decompressive force is applied from a fixed angle, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot target specific intervertebral discs effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the decompressive force vector to be dynamically oriented at different angles relative to the patient's spine. This enables precise targeting of specific intervertebral discs by aligning the decompressive force with the anatomical orientation of the targeted disc, achieving high alignment precision while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical adjustment system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for decompressive therapy applied to the human spine. The apparatus incorporates a decompression actuator or motor connected to an attachment point on a pelvic harness, which is in turn applied to the lumbar region of a patient. The decompression motor may be raised or lowered in order to orient the pelvic harness about the lumbar spine, thereby aligning certain of the lumbar vertebra and intervertebral discs. The decompression motor applies cyclical decompressive forces to the aligned spine, providing enhanced lumbar decompression.