Wearable Spinal Decompression Device with Rear Splints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively decompress the lower spine while seated, which is essential for relieving pain and promoting healing of conditions like Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Sciatica, as they either do not provide decompression or interfere with normal movements and are not practical for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device comprising two belt-shaped straps with vertically extending rigid splints that decompress the lower spine when the user sits or leans, maintaining decompression during long periods of sitting and engaging in daily activities, and can be worn under clothing without interfering with movement or appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional back braces with forward-positioned splints are used, then the back is immobilized, but the device interferes with normal movements and causes chest pain when bending forward
Solution Approach 1:
The splints are repositioned from the forward position (traditional design) to a rearward position on the back. This inversion of the splint placement allows the device to provide back support and immobilization without interfering with forward bending movements, thereby eliminating chest pain while maintaining back stability.
2Reliability
If extreme decompression techniques like hanging upside down are used, then spinal decompression is achieved, but the method is impractical for long-term use and can cause strokes
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the user's own body weight to provide the decompression force through a simple leaning-forward motion. When the user leans forward, gravity naturally pulls the torso forward, creating a gentle expansive force on the spine without requiring external equipment or assistance. This makes decompression practical for long-term use during daily activities.
3Reliability
If specialized mechanical decompression beds are used, then spinal decompression and healing are achieved, but the treatment is expensive and not practical for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The essential decompression function is extracted from complex mechanical beds and embodied in a simple wearable device. The device uses basic mechanical elements (straps and splints) that leverage the user's own body weight and posture to achieve decompression, eliminating the need for expensive, complex mechanical systems while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lower spine remains in a compressed state, then normal posture is maintained, but pain increases and healing cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts spinal compression based on the user's posture. When sitting or leaning forward, the splints naturally create an expansive force that decompresses the spine. When upright, the device provides minimal interference. This dynamic response allows the spine to decompress during prolonged sitting without requiring active user intervention, preventing pain and promoting healing while maintaining natural posture control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that decompresses the lower spine while the wearer is seated or standing. The device includes two belt-shaped straps. The first strap circles the upper torso just below the breast line. The second strap circles the waist at or slightly above the normal belt line riding on the hip. In embodiments of the invention, the lower strap can be a normal belt. The straps can be equipped with pockets that are aligned along the upper edge of the upper strap and the lower edge of the lower strap designed to receive and hold flat splints. Typically, two rigid flat splints extend vertically between the straps centered laterally on the left and right sides of the torso. When the device is worn, it decompresses the lower spine when the person stands or sits.