Spinal Orthosis Lumbar Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal orthoses are bulky, difficult to don and doff, and often fail to provide consistent tension, which can negatively affect back extensor strength and long-term outcomes for individuals with vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, and may not adequately address the need for improved back muscle strength and posture correction.
Innovation Solution
A spinal orthosis design featuring a comfortable, low-profile lumbar assembly with a rigid posterior frame and a strapping system that allows effortless use, providing consistent donning and immobilization, with adjustable straps and elastic components to resist movement and pull the spine into a corrective position, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spinal orthoses are used to provide compression and support, then spinal stability and fracture protection are improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to don and doff
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is divided into a lumbar assembly and a separate posterior frame assembly that can be independently assembled and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to be more manageable and easier to don/doff while maintaining spinal stability through the modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis incorporates adjustable straps and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the device to adapt dynamically to the wearer's body and movement needs. This dynamic design maintains compression and support while improving ease of operation through simple adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conventional spinal orthoses are used to immobilize the spine, then fracture protection is improved, but back extensor strength deteriorates due to long-term immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis provides partial immobilization rather than complete rigidity, allowing controlled movement that maintains fracture protection while preventing the muscle atrophy associated with complete immobilization. The flexible design permits necessary muscle engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis allows for adjustable compression levels and positioning parameters that can be modified over time as the patient's condition improves. This progressive adjustment maintains fracture protection while gradually increasing back extensor strength through controlled movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional spinal orthoses are used to correct posture, then spinal alignment is improved, but the device fails to provide consistent tension
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis incorporates feedback mechanisms through adjustable straps and positioning systems that allow the wearer or clinician to monitor and adjust tension levels. This ensures consistent tension is maintained for proper spinal alignment while allowing adjustments as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capabilities of the orthosis allow tension to be optimized and maintained consistently throughout wear. The flexible design adapts to movement while maintaining appropriate compression and alignment forces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid framework orthosis is used to treat scoliosis, then spinal deformity correction is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis uses flexible positioning elements and straps rather than rigid frameworks to achieve spinal alignment and deformity correction. This flexible approach maintains correction effectiveness while significantly reducing device complexity and bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis achieves deformity correction through adjustable parameter settings in the strap system and positioning mechanisms rather than fixed rigid structures. This allows effective correction with a simpler, more adaptable device design.
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 spinal orthosis effectively reduces pain and functional disability, enhances mobility, and encourages wearer compliance by providing comfortable and efficient compression, facilitating pain relief and improved posture in individuals with vertebral fractures from L5 to T4, and can be adapted for conditions like scoliosis.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic strap has a first end secured to the spinal frame and a second end adjustably securing to the lumbar assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal orthosis has an elongate and substantially rigid spinal frame having upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A strap assembly secures to an upper portion of the spinal frame and is adjustably secured to the lumbar assembly. An elastic strap has a first end secured to the spinal frame and a second end adjustably securing to the lumbar assembly.