Spring-Loaded Underarm Back Support for Spine Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back support devices restrict movement, making it difficult to perform daily activities comfortably and often require surgical implantation or are cumbersome and noticeable.
Innovation Solution
A back supporter device featuring adjustable belts with spring-loaded underarm supports and a three-pin construction that allows for flexibility and comfort, distributing weight evenly to alleviate spine compression while enabling movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid structures are used to reduce load on the spine, then back support effectiveness is improved, but movement freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid support structures with dynamic spring mechanisms that adapt to user movement. The springs (element 12) allow the support device to move with the user's body while maintaining spinal support, resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of rigidity to flexibility by using spring elements instead of rigid structures. This parameter change allows the device to maintain support function while enabling natural body movement, addressing both support effectiveness and movement freedom requirements.
2Reliability
If surgically implanted hardware is used, then back support effectiveness is improved, but safety and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from surgical implantation and implements it through external wearable spring-based structures. This removes the harmful surgical intervention while maintaining the therapeutic back support function through non-invasive mechanical springs.
3Reliability
If large and cumbersome structures are used, then back support effectiveness is improved, but discretion and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible spring elements and fabric components instead of large rigid structures. This allows the device to provide effective back support while being thin, flexible, and discreet enough to wear under clothing, resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and discretion.
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 comfortable and discreet support during daily activities, providing relief from back pain by allowing for natural movement and distribution of upper body weight without the need for surgical hardware.
Implementation Method 1
Each support comprises an underarm rest, a first spring, a second spring, and a third spring
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are device embodiments for supporting a person's back. An embodiment comprises an adjustable belt and a pair of underarm supports attached to the sides of the belt. Each support comprises an underarm rest and a first spring, a second spring, and a third springs. Each support further comprises a first pin attached to the underarm rest, the first pin coupled to a top end of the first spring; a second pin coupled to a bottom end of the first spring and a top end of the second spring; and a third pin coupled to a bottom end of the second spring and a top end of the third spring. Each support further includes a base bottom coupled to a bottom end of the third spring and attached to the adjustable belt.