Suboccipital Elevation Therapy Pad for Cervical Spine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal therapy pads are ineffective in treating tension in the suboccipital space due to the small distance between the occiput and the atlas, making it difficult for chiropractors to apply pressure manually for tissue loosening.
Innovation Solution
A therapy pad with a vertically arranged elevation in the central plane, angled between 5° and 45°, preferably 20° to 30°, to support the subocciput area, accompanied by side depressions and protrusions for lateral support, allowing for targeted force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If recesses are provided in the central plane area to prevent vertebrae from being subjected to pressure, then the vertebrae are protected from compressive forces, but the suboccipital area cannot be effectively treated due to lack of support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area with recesses to protect vertebrae from compressive forces, and a second area with an elevation to provide targeted support to the suboccipital region. This segmentation allows simultaneous protection of vertebrae and effective treatment of the suboccipital area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the base are given different structural qualities: the first area has recesses to avoid compression, while the second area contains an elevation with specific geometric characteristics (acute angle to vertical, symmetric arrangement) to provide localized support and stretching force to the suboccipital area.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied with fingertips to the suboccipital area for tissue loosening, then treatment effect is achieved, but the small distance between occiput and atlas makes intervention difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation acts as an intermediary structure that extends from the base to reach the suboccipital area. It provides a mechanical lever arm that allows force application to the suboccipital region without requiring direct manual contact, thereby overcoming the limitation of the small distance between occiput and atlas.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation is designed with specific geometric dimensions, including an acute angle (5°-45°) relative to the vertical direction and a width between 1 cm and 7 cm. These dimensional specifications enable the elevation to extend sufficiently to reach the suboccipital area while maintaining structural integrity and effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If an elevation is added to support the subocciput area, then access to suboccipital area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation is integrated directly into the base structure as a single piece, combining the support function with the existing base design. The elevation and base form a unified structure that provides both general support and specific suboccipital support without requiring separate components or complex assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a treatment and/or therapy support (1) for the treatment and/or therapy, in particular for the mobilization, of part of the human spine, in particular the cervical spine, the support (1) having a first supporting area (2) for the head and a second area (3). In order to improve the result of treatment, the invention provides for an elevated portion (4) for supporting the sub-occipital area (12) to be arranged between the first supporting area (2) and the second area (3).