Wearable Posture Training Device with Skin-Force Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional posture correction devices are often uncomfortable, cumbersome, and aesthetically objectionable, while also potentially restricting range of motion and leading to muscle imbalances and weakness due to over-reliance on the devices.

Innovation Solution

A wearable posture training device featuring a skin-force sensor that detects deviations from a reference posture and provides tactile feedback through a coupled tactile feedback arm, encouraging users to actively correct their posture without restricting movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional posture correction devices (braces, belts, trusses) are used to mechanically enforce desired posture, then posture correction effectiveness is improved, but comfort and ease of wear deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture correction effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort and ease of wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical enforcement system (braces, belts, trusses) with a tactile feedback system that uses gentle vibrations and vibrations through a feedback arm to alert users to posture deviations. This substitution eliminates the need for restrictive mechanical structures while maintaining posture correction effectiveness through user awareness and voluntary correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tactile feedback arm provides real-time information about posture deviations to the user through gentle vibrations. This feedback loop enables users to understand their posture status and actively correct deviations without relying on restrictive mechanical devices, thereby improving both comfort and correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If traditional immobilization devices are used to enforce posture, then posture correction is improved, but range of motion and freedom of movement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture correctionVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical immobilization system with a non-restrictive tactile feedback system. The feedback arm delivers posture information through vibrations without physically constraining the user's movements, allowing full range of motion while maintaining posture correction through user awareness and voluntary adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional posture correction devices are used habitually, then posture correction is improved, but muscle strength and balance deteriorate due to over-reliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture correctionVSAvoidmuscle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that alerts users to posture deviations without providing continuous mechanical support. The tactile feedback arm gives periodic information about posture status, encouraging users to actively engage their muscles for correction rather than relying on continuous mechanical immobilization, thereby maintaining muscle strength and balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to self-correct their posture through tactile feedback without requiring external mechanical support. The system provides information about posture deviations and relies on the user's own muscle engagement to correct the posture, promoting self-service correction and preventing dependency on corrective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional posture correction devices are used, then posture correction effectiveness is improved, but aesthetic appearance and social acceptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture correction effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visible mechanical structures (braces, belts, trusses) with a subtle tactile feedback system consisting of a small sensor and feedback arm. This substitution eliminates the aesthetic problems associated with traditional devices while maintaining posture correction effectiveness through non-visual tactile information delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a discreet and unobtrusive means to improve posture by gently alerting the wearer to deviations, allowing for comfortable daily activities while encouraging muscle engagement for correction.

Implementation Method 1

a skin-force sensor configured to detect a deviation of a user's posture from a reference posture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSkin force detection:

Implementation Method 2

a tactile feedback arm coupled to the skin-force sensor. The tactile feedback arm is configured to cooperate with the skin-force sensor to deliver tactile feedback to the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTactile feedback:

Data Source

PatentUS20250049392A1Posture training

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 SAFAR SAMIR HANNA

AI summary

A posture training device comprises a skin-force sensor configured to detect a deviation of a user's posture from a reference posture, and a tactile feedback arm coupled to the skin-force sensor. The tactile feedback arm is configured to cooperate with the skin-force sensor to deliver tactile feedback to the user in response to the skin-force sensor detecting the deviation of the user's posture from the reference posture.