Spinal Mobilization System with Multi-Dimensional Force Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal treatment devices fail to apply specific vibration frequencies to targeted locations on the spine effectively, leading to incomplete muscle relaxation and inadequate tissue regeneration and bone growth, as they typically apply vibrations non-specifically to the entire body.

Innovation Solution

A spinal treatment system comprising a harness, force transfer member, computer-controlled vibrational movement head, and vertical displacement member that allows for targeted application of specific vibration frequencies and forces to preselected locations on the spine, using a metal rod or steel cable to transfer forces and amplify vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If simple cyclical force is applied to the patient, then the patient can relax while treatment is applied, but only certain muscles are relaxed and complete relaxation is not achieved quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of muscle relaxationVSAvoidcompleteness of muscle relaxation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from simple cyclical force to complex multi-dimensional oscillating forces that dynamically adjust in real-time. The computer-controlled mechanism varies force magnitude, direction, and frequency throughout the treatment cycle, enabling comprehensive muscle relaxation across different spinal regions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic oscillating forces with specifically engineered waveforms that cycle through different phases and amplitudes. This periodic action with controlled variability ensures all muscle groups undergo relaxation cycles, achieving complete relaxation more quickly than simple uniform cyclical forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If vibration is applied to a harness, then vibration treatment is provided, but specific vibration frequencies cannot be targeted to specific locations on the spine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of vibration frequency applicationVSAvoidtargeting capability to specific spinal locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different vibration frequencies and force characteristics to different locations on the spine simultaneously. Each region receives customized oscillating forces tailored to its specific therapeutic needs, achieving precise frequency targeting while maintaining versatility across multiple spinal segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment system divides the spinal region into multiple target zones, each capable of receiving independently controlled vibration frequencies. This segmentation enables simultaneous targeted treatment of different spinal locations with specific frequencies, rather than applying uniform vibration to the entire harness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If static force is applied to the patient, then force is applied to selected vertebrae, but the patient cannot relax and treatment effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient relaxation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static force application with dynamic oscillating forces that continuously vary in magnitude and direction. This dynamic approach allows the patient's muscles to relax during the oscillation cycles while still delivering effective therapeutic force to the selected vertebrae, improving both relaxation and treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise application of vibration frequencies and forces to specific spinal areas, enhancing muscle relaxation and promoting tissue regeneration and bone growth by ensuring complete relaxation and targeted treatment.

Implementation Method 1

A transducer is disposed so as to be placed adjacent to the patient's back. The transducer is configured to receive an amplified vibration signal from the amplifier and to generate mechanical vibrations corresponding thereto.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A selected one of a metal rod or a steel cable is coupled to the harness and configured to transfer force to the harness while the patient is reclined on the horizontal treatment bed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A selected one of a metal rod or a steel cable is coupled to the harness and configured to transfer force to the harness while the patient is reclined on the horizontal treatment bed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration amplification: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8079971B2Spinal mobilization treatment system with multi-dimensional force application
Publication Date: 2011.12.20 NORTH AMERICAN MEDICAL CORPORTAION
  • US8079971B2 patent drawing
  • US8079971B2 patent drawing
  • US8079971B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spinal treatment system for treating a spinal region of a patient's back includes a harness configured to be coupled to a preselected location on the patient. A force transfer member is coupled to the harness and is configured to transfer force to the harness. A vibrational movement head is controlled by a computer and is configured to apply a preselected laterally vibrating force to the force application member extending therefrom. A vertical displacement member is coupled to the computer and is configured to move the vibrational movement head to a preselected vertical displacement relative to the patient.