Spinal Traction Apparatus with Progressive Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal traction systems lack the ability to adjust the angle of application of the traction force after it has reached a minimum percentage of its peak value, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes due to muscle guarding and limited control over spinal bending.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spinal traction apparatus that includes a traction assembly and a fulcrum assembly, both capable of angular adjustments about a transverse horizontal axis. The apparatus uses a control mechanism to progressively adjust the angle of application of the traction force and the fulcrum force over a predetermined period, starting after the traction force has reached a minimum percentage of its peak value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the angle of application of traction force is adjusted after reaching minimum percentage of peak value, then spinal bending precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic angle adjustment capability where the traction assembly and fulcrum assembly can change their application angles during the treatment process. The control mechanism dynamically modifies the angle of application of traction force from an initial angle to a final angle after the traction force has reached a minimum percentage of its peak value, enabling precise spinal bending while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of angle of application dynamically during treatment. The control mechanism is configured to adjust the angle of application of traction force and fulcrum force as a function of time, specifically modifying these parameters after the traction force reaches a minimum percentage of its peak value. This parameter change enables precise control over spinal bending while the automated timing mechanism keeps the control system relatively simple.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traction force is applied at minimum percentage before angle adjustment, then muscle guarding is overcome, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus applies preliminary traction force at a minimum percentage of the peak value before adjusting the angle of application. This preliminary action helps overcome muscle guarding by initially applying a manageable force that gradually prepares the muscles for the subsequent angle adjustment and peak force application, thereby reducing resistance and enabling more effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism implements periodic action by adjusting the angle of application in a timed sequence after the traction force has reached a minimum percentage of its peak value. This periodic adjustment pattern allows the muscles to adapt to the changing force application, systematically overcoming muscle guarding while maintaining efficient treatment timing through automated sequencing.
3Reliability
If progressive angle adjustment is implemented over predetermined period, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism incorporates feedback by monitoring the traction force level and using it to trigger angle adjustments at the appropriate moment. Specifically, the mechanism detects when the traction force has reached a minimum percentage of its peak value and automatically initiates the progressive angle adjustment sequence. This feedback-based control ensures treatment effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism operates autonomously by automatically timing and executing the progressive angle adjustment of both the traction assembly and fulcrum assembly over a predetermined period. The system self-regulates the treatment process without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while keeping the control mechanism straightforward and easy to operate.
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 apparatus effectively overcomes muscle guarding by applying traction force at a minimum percentage before adjusting the angle of application, achieving more precise and effective spinal bending and improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a traction assembly (112) mounted to the frame (42), the traction assembly structured to apply a traction force to the spine at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the spine to bend the spine
Implementation Method 2
Soft tissues also exhibit the property of 'plastic deformation,' by which the tissues deform permanently if a greater force is applied to the soft tissues for a relatively prolonged period of time
Implementation Method 3
Soft tissues associated with the spine and other body structures exhibit a unique characteristic known as 'viscoelasticity.' This property allows soft tissues to return to their original shape and length if a submaximal force is applied for a relatively short period of time
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that bends a patient's spine to change the spine's shape includes a traction assembly mounted to a frame. Traction assembly applies a traction force to the spine at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the spine. Traction assembly angularly adjusts about a transverse horizontal axis relative to the frame. A control mechanism progressively adjusts the angle of the applied traction force over a treatment period. Adjustment begins after the applied traction force reaches a minimum percentage of the peak value of the traction force. A fulcrum assembly mounted to the frame applies a fulcrum force to the spine at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the spine. Fulcrum assembly angularly adjusts about the transverse horizontal axis shared by the traction assembly. Control mechanism progressively adjusts the angle of the applied fulcrum force in coordination with the adjustment in the angle of the applied traction force.