Adjustable Spinal Support Surface With Raised Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for stretching or lengthening the dorsal spine, such as pillows with ribs, rely on user-exerted pressure, which can be difficult and painful for individuals with severe back pain, especially the elderly, and do not effectively relieve load on the dorsal spine.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support apparatus with a user-facing surface featuring raised members and an adjustment mechanism, such as an inflatable bladder, cam-follower assembly, or piston assembly, that allows incremental increase or decrease in pressure to enhance stretching or lengthening of the spine by varying the normal and surface forces exerted on the back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pillows or cushions with ribs are used to stretch the dorsal spine, then the spine can be lengthened, but the user must exert significant pressure which is difficult and painful for the elderly with severe back pain
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus automatically adjusts to the user's back contours and applies stretching force without requiring the user to exert pressure. The system serves itself by using the user's body weight and the apparatus's mechanical properties to generate the necessary forces, eliminating the need for active user participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (user exerting pressure against ribs) with an automated mechanical system that uses controlled deformation of the support surface and strategic placement of ribs to generate stretching forces automatically.
2Reliability
If conventional pillows or cushions with ribs are used to stretch the dorsal spine, then the spine can be lengthened, but the load on the dorsal spine is not effectively relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system that can adjust its support characteristics. The adjustable ribs and controllable support surface allow the apparatus to adapt its stiffness and support distribution in real-time, optimizing both the reliability of spinal support and the productivity of load relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the support system, including the stiffness of the support surface, the position and orientation of ribs, and the distribution of support forces. These parameter adjustments enable the system to effectively relieve spinal load while maintaining reliable support.
3Force
If the support apparatus uses adjustable mechanisms like bladders or cam-follower assemblies to increase pressure on the back, then the stretching effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable bladder mechanism to control the application of force to the user's back. By inflating or deflating the bladder, the system can smoothly adjust the normal force exerted on the spine, enhancing the stretching effect while using a relatively simple and compact mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-follower assembly changes the geometric parameters of the support surface by rotating the cam, which varies the position and orientation of the ribs relative to the user's back. This allows dynamic adjustment of surface forces and normal forces to optimize stretching while using a simple mechanical parameter change.
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 adjustable support apparatus provides a more effective and comfortable stretching or lengthening effect on the spine, allowing intervertebral disks to reabsorb fluid, thereby alleviating back pain and improving spinal relief without requiring significant user effort.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism comprises a bladder at least partially enclosed by the cover. The bladder is structured to be inflated or deflated so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism comprises a cam or cam-follower assembly at least partially enclosed by the cover. The cam or cam-follower assembly is structured to be rotated so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user
Implementation Method 3
The adjustment mechanism comprises a piston assembly at least partially enclosed by the cover. The piston assembly is structured to be extended or retracted so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support apparatus for a user includes a cover defining a user-facing surface, at least a portion of the user-facing surface defining a plurality of raised members each defining a distal end, wherein the distal end of each raised member defines a planar surface. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism at least partially enclosed by the cover. The adjustment mechanism is structured to be urged toward or away from the user so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user, respectively, so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the spacing between the distal ends of the raised members to thereby increase or decrease, respectively, the force exerted by the raised members against the user so as to impart a stretching or lengthening effect or contraction effect, respectively, on the vertebral column and intervertebral discs of the user.