Spinal Therapy Force Feedback for Precise Vertebral Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive spinal treatment devices lack the ability to apply controlled, repetitive forces specifically targeted to individual spinal processes with real-time force feedback, fail to provide precise posterior to anterior force vectors, and lack positioning flexibility to align with different patient anatomies, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in healthcare delivery.

Innovation Solution

A spinal therapy system with a device that applies controlled, repetitive forces using a head adaptable for reciprocating movement, equipped with force sensors and position adjustment mechanisms, incorporating safety features and various mounting configurations to align with individual vertebral elements, and providing real-time force monitoring and adjustment capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation techniques are used for spinal therapy, then treatment can be applied to patients, but provider fatigue and potential injury occur due to physically demanding, repetitive force applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovider burdenVSAvoidtreatment consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated force application where the device independently performs spinal therapy without requiring manual manipulation by providers. The automated actuators apply controlled forces to vertebral elements, eliminating the need for providers to perform physically demanding repetitive manual therapy while maintaining treatment consistency through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If percussive therapy devices are used for muscle treatment, then rapid high-frequency massage is delivered, but controlled substantial force application to vertebrae cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency of applicationVSAvoidforce control

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by allowing real-time adjustment of both frequency and force parameters. The device can operate across a range of frequencies from very low (once per minute) to higher rates, while simultaneously controlling force magnitude through feedback mechanisms. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt force and frequency independently, unlike fixed-frequency percussive devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback through force sensors that continuously monitor the force being applied to the patient's spine. This real-time feedback allows the control system to adjust actuator output to maintain precise force levels, ensuring controlled substantial force application to vertebrae while operating at various frequencies as clinically indicated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing non-invasive spinal treatment devices are used, then treatment can be provided, but real-time force feedback and precise force control mechanisms are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidforce monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical assessment with electronic force sensing technology. Force sensors integrated into the device provide quantitative real-time measurement of applied forces, substituting the imprecise manual judgment required by providers with objective electronic measurement. This enables precise force monitoring and control while maintaining treatment flexibility through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If spinal surgery is performed for severe spinal conditions, then structural problems within the spine can be addressed, but significant risks including infection, nerve damage, and lengthy recovery periods occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural correctionVSAvoidsurgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harm of invasive surgery into benefit by providing an non-invasive alternative that achieves spinal realignment through controlled mechanical forces. Rather than cutting and fusing bones surgically, the device applies repetitive posterior-to-anterior forces to mobilize vertebral elements into alignment, eliminating surgical risks while maintaining the ability to correct structural spinal problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250381088A1Controlled force spinal therapy systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 FACTOR MEDICAL DEVICES LLC

AI summary

A spinal therapy system for improving a patient's spine condition comprises a device having a head adapted for reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions. The head aligns with a target spinous or transverse process and repetitively applies posterior to anterior force to displace the target process and promote spine rehabilitation, reconditioning, and reshaping. The device includes force sensors for measuring applied force and adjusts head position based on measurements. When programmed force is reached, the head stops and/or reverses to ensure only chosen therapeutic force is applied. A positioning mechanism allows head orientation adjustment through mechanical joints in multiple planes. The system supports various mounting configurations including ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, table-mounted, floor-mounted, and mobile configurations. Safety features include position sensors, limit switches, and mechanical safety mechanisms. A user interface enables setting treatment parameters including displacement distance, force, frequency, and duration.