Lower Spine Decompression Brace Using Adjustable Side Splints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices fail to effectively decompress the lower spine while seated, leading to inadequate pain relief and hindered healing of conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Discs, and Sciatica, as they either immobilize the back or do not provide sufficient decompression during normal activities.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with two belt-shaped straps and vertically extending rigid splints that decompress the lower spine by redirecting the wearer's upper body weight to the hips, allowing gentle expansion when sitting or standing, and featuring adjustable splints and moveable pockets for customizable decompression angles and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional back braces or immobilization devices are used, then back stability is improved, but spinal decompression is prevented and movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the back support system into multiple segments: an upper back support element, a lower back support element, and a lumbar support element positioned between them. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the upper and lower elements provide stability while the lumbar element creates decompression space, resolving the contradiction between stability and decompression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support element extends posteriorly (backward) from between the upper and lower back support elements, creating a third-dimensional space that pushes against the lumbar spine. This dimensional extension allows the device to provide both anterior stability (from the back support elements) and posterior decompression (from the lumbar element), simultaneously achieving both stability and decompression.
2Stability of the object's composition
If forward-positioned splints are used to stabilize the back, then back support is improved, but chest movement is restricted and pain is caused when bending forward
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning support elements in front of the body (as in traditional braces), this device positions the primary support elements on the back and extends the lumbar support element backward. This inversion of the traditional forward-splint approach eliminates interference with chest movement and forward bending while maintaining back support stability.
3Ease of operation
If hanging upside down or extreme decompression techniques are used, then spinal decompression is achieved, but safety risks increase and practicality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the wearer's own body weight as the decompression force. By positioning the lumbar support element to push against the lower back, the natural gravitational force of the upper body automatically provides the decompression effect, eliminating the need for dangerous external forces or complex mechanical systems while ensuring safety and practicality for long-term use.
4Ease of operation
If decompression devices are designed for lying down positions, then decompression effectiveness is improved, but usability during daily activities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to provide effective spinal decompression in multiple positions - lying down, sitting, and standing. The lumbar support element's posterior extension creates decompression force that works regardless of body orientation, making the device universally applicable to all daily activities rather than limited to specific positions, thus achieving both effectiveness and versatility.
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 device provides continuous spinal decompression, relieving pain and promoting healing by maintaining spinal expansion during daily activities, improving posture, and allowing blood flow to the affected area, while being comfortable and unobtrusive under clothing.
Implementation Method 1
allowing weight of the wearer's upper body, shoulders and head to press downward on the first and second splints displacing the weight of the upper body to the hips relieving pressure on the lower back and creating an upward reactive force on the patient's lower spine stretching lower spine upward
Data Source
AI summary
A device that decompresses the lower spine while the wearer is seated or standing. The device includes two belt-shaped straps. The first strap circles the upper torso just below the breast line. The second strap circles the waist at or slightly above the normal belt line riding on the hip. In the present invention, the lower strap can be a normal belt. The straps can be equipped with pockets that are aligned along the upper edge of the upper strap and the lower edge of the lower strap designed to receive and hold flat splints. Typically, two rigid flat splints extend vertically between the straps centered laterally on the left and right sides of the torso. When the device is worn, it decompresses the lower spine when the person stands or sits. In the new embodiments the flat splints are adjustable length and the pockets are horizontally moveable along the lower and upper straps and the “U”shaped end that attaches to the wearers belt is optional.