Trunk Support Device Torque Generators Spine Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back support devices are limited in functionality, often bulky, and interfere with natural walking motion, failing to effectively reduce muscle forces in the back during forward bending and limiting comfort.
Innovation Solution
A trunk support device with a waist strap and chest support, utilizing torque generators to impose resistance torque, reducing the bending moment on the spine by distributing forces across the hips, and optionally featuring a controller for adjustable resistance based on sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lift assist devices are used, then back support is provided, but the devices are bulky and interfere with natural walking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential support function from the bulky frame structure by using a flexible belt system with integrated torque generators. The support mechanism is removed from rigid frames and embedded within a flexible wearable belt, eliminating the need for external frames that interfere with movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible belt construction that can conform to the wearer's body movements. The flexible belt with embedded torque generators provides support while allowing natural range of motion, replacing rigid frames with a flexible membrane-like structure that moves with the body.
2Reliability
If traditional spring members or frame structures are used, then trunk support is provided, but the devices limit natural walking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The torque generators in the belt are designed to dynamically adjust their resistance torque based on the wearer's movement. The system adapts to different walking speeds, bending angles, and movement patterns, providing support only when needed while allowing free movement when the natural motion requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses sensors to detect the wearer's movement and automatically adjusts the torque generator resistance accordingly. The system serves itself by sensing the natural motion pattern and providing appropriate support without requiring manual adjustment or restricting movement, eliminating the need for bulky control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If additional straps and frame elements are added, then support functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple support functions into a single integrated belt structure. The torque generators, sensors, and flexible belt are combined into one unified wearable device, eliminating the need for separate frame elements, multiple straps, and additional components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the torque generators, houses the sensors, and conforms to the body's movements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
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 reduces spine compression and muscle tensile forces, minimizing the risk of back injuries while allowing for comfortable movement and eliminating the need for additional straps, thus enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second torque generators imposes a resistance torque between the chest support and the waist strap
Implementation Method 2
When the wearer bends over, the spring member is flexed and supports the bent over portion of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A trunk support device (100) is configurable to be worn by a person to reduce the muscle forces in the person's back during forward bending. The device (100), among other things, includes: a waist strap (102) which is configurable to be coupled to the person waist; a chest support (104) which is configurable to be coupled to the person's chest and capable of pushing against the person chest; and first and second torque generators (106) coupled to the chest support (104) and the waist strap (102) and capable of providing a resistance torque between them. In operation, when a person wearing the device (100) bends forward, at least one of the torque generators (106) imposes a torque between the chest support (104) and the waist strap (102), causing the chest support (104) to impose a force onto the person's chest backwardly and the waist strap (102) to impose a force onto the person's hip.