Systems and methods for exerting force on bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged exposure to gravitational forces leads to fatigue, pressure ulcers, and adverse health effects such as chronic back pain, bone density loss, and metabolic disorders, with existing solutions being inadequate for counteracting these issues, especially in weight-bearing regions of the body.
Innovation Solution
Development of systems and devices that distribute body weight from weight-bearing regions to non-weight-bearing regions, using mechanisms like inflatable structures and Weight-Bearing Elements (WBEs) to exert forces similar to hydrostatic forces, reducing shear forces and pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a person remains in upright or seated position for extended periods, then gravitational force is continuously applied to weight-bearing regions, but this leads to pressure ulcers, fatigue, and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using inflatable bladders and weight-bearing elements to generate upward forces that counteract the downward gravitational force on the body. The system distributes body weight across multiple contact points, creating counterbalancing forces that reduce pressure on critical weight-bearing regions such as the sacrum, ischial tuberosities, and heels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic systems with inflatable bladders filled with fluid to exert controlled forces on the body. The hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of support forces, enabling the system to adapt to different body positions and weight distributions while maintaining optimal pressure relief on weight-bearing areas.
2Strength
If body weight is concentrated on weight-bearing regions, then structural support is maintained, but bone density loss and muscle atrophy occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body support function into multiple independent weight-bearing elements distributed across different body regions. Instead of concentrating support on a single point, the system uses multiple contact points (bladders, pads, or mechanical elements) to distribute and share the load, maintaining structural support while reducing stress on any single weight-bearing region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic weight distribution through adjustable and movable support elements. The system can adapt its support configuration in response to body movement, position changes, or detected pressure patterns, ensuring continuous structural support while preventing the static loading conditions that lead to bone and muscle deterioration.
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
These systems effectively reduce pressure and shear forces on weight-bearing regions, preventing fatigue, pressure ulcers, and adverse health effects, while also simulating gravitational forces to maintain bone and muscle strength in microgravity environments.
Implementation Method 1
using mechanisms like inflatable structures and Weight-Bearing Elements (WBEs) to exert forces similar to hydrostatic forces
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.