Stretching Bank Center of Gravity Pivot Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretching banks for spinal treatment face challenges in providing controlled tilting and comfortable patient positioning without external assistance, often requiring heavy and non-portable designs with uncontrolled return movements, leading to discomfort and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable stretching bank with a rigid base and adjustable support frame, featuring pivot hinges near the center of gravity, a telescopic rod with controlled movement by an electric or hydraulic motor, and comfortable ankle fixation using collar straps, allowing patients to adjust the tilting angle and control the return position safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bank is designed to be portable and lightweight, then ease of operation and home use is improved, but structural strength and stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum alloy materials and optimized cross-sectional geometry to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio, transforming the physical parameters of the structural materials to simultaneously satisfy portability and strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The bank utilizes composite construction combining aluminum alloy frames with foam core panels and fabric coverings, creating a lightweight yet structurally sound device that maintains stability while being portable
2Ease of operation
If the axis of rotation is positioned far from the center of gravity, then the bank can be moved easily in one direction, but the return movement becomes uncontrolled and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the axis of rotation at or near the center of gravity of the bank, creating a balanced system where the bank can be tilted in one direction with minimal force and will naturally return to its initial position when the tilting force is released, ensuring controlled and safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force acting on the bank provides automatic feedback control, where the weight distribution and center of gravity position create a natural restoring force that guides the bank back to its equilibrium position, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If the feet are clamped to fix the patient's position, then longitudinal positioning is secured, but comfort decreases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting footrests with friction-based or mechanical locking mechanisms that automatically secure the patient's feet at appropriate positions without requiring clamping force, allowing patients to maintain comfortable positioning through the device's inherent structural features
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest design incorporates adjustable parameters such as friction coefficients, locking positions, and support angles that provide secure footing without excessive clamping force, transforming the physical interaction between the device and patient to eliminate discomfort and safety risks
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 patients to adjust the stretching bank's angle easily and safely, reducing the risk of accidents and improving spinal treatment outcomes, making it suitable for home use and reducing the need for surgical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the bank can be turned around an axis spaced from the center of gravity... the return occurs under the effect of the combined weight of the patient and the bank
Implementation Method 2
the other end can be raised by means of a telescope which can exert force only in one direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Stretching bank (10, 11) for health purposes, provided with a rigid bank (11) with horizontal basic position and allowing a patient to lie thereon, the bank can be inclined around a pivot hinge (31) with an axis being in the center of gravity or close thereto, the bank (11) is connected to a support frame (12), and a bracket arm (13) is coupled to a first end of the bank (11) holding and connecting the head or feet of the patient to the bank (11), the angular position of the bank (11) can be changed continuously between the horizontal plane and a maximum inclined position by means of a hinge (33) placed at a distance from the center of gravity, the bank (11) is coupled to a positioning assembly that provides for the adjustment of the angular position and is controlled by a switch (15) operated by the patient and which allows angular movement in both directions and fixing the bank (11) in any adjusted position.