Weighted Band Cover Layout for Uniform Therapeutic Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weight covers for therapeutic use face challenges in providing uniform pressure that follows the body shape, are difficult to handle and store, and do not meet sanitary requirements due to fillings that can shift or be unsanitary.

Innovation Solution

A weight cover with weighted bands made of polyester fibers arranged in channels between fabric layers, featuring fastening means for secure attachment and easy removal, allowing for customizable weight distribution and ease of handling and washing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If traditional fillings (plastic balls, sand, grits, metallic balls) are used in pockets of weight covers, then the weight cover can provide pressure to the body, but the filling falls down toward the lowest part of the pockets making it difficult to keep a controlled steady pressure that follows the body shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidfilling position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The weight cover is divided into multiple channels running longitudinally along the cover, with each channel containing a continuous weighted band. This segmentation prevents the filling from shifting laterally while maintaining even distribution along the length of the cover, resolving the contradiction between pressure distribution and filling position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weighted bands are made of flexible material that can conform to the body shape while maintaining their position within the channels. The flexibility allows the bands to adapt to contours without shifting, providing both even pressure distribution and positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stress or pressure

If chains are used as weighted elements in weight covers, then the weight cover can provide pressure, but the chains pose a safety risk of hurting the user or other persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure applicationVSAvoidsafety hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses continuous weighted bands made of safe, non-hazardous material instead of chain links. These bands can be easily replaced if needed and pose no safety risk, resolving the contradiction between pressure application and safety hazard by eliminating the harmful chains entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stress or pressure

If weight covers with traditional fillings are used, then they can provide therapeutic pressure, but they are difficult to handle when folding and storing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic pressureVSAvoidhandling and folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The weight cover is segmented into channels with individual weighted bands that can move independently within their channels. This allows the cover to be folded and stored more easily while the bands remain constrained to their channels, preventing tangling and maintaining the therapeutic pressure function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stress or pressure

If traditional fillings are used in weight covers, then they can provide weight, but they do not allow ordinary washing in a washing machine to maintain sanitary requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight provisionVSAvoidwashing and sanitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weighted bands are enclosed in continuous flexible channels that can be washed in a washing machine. The continuous enclosure prevents filling leakage while allowing the entire cover to be laundered, resolving the contradiction between weight provision and washing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2948028B1Weight cover
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 NOVISTA OF SWEDEN
  • EP2948028B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2948028B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2948028B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A weight cover (10) for therapeutic treatment has a plurality of elements (20) placed in a plurality of channels (12) between fabric layers of the weight cover to increase its weight. The channels are arranged in parallel along the length of the cover. The elements (20) are each configured as a closed case containing oblong fibers, which form weighted bands (20), and which follow the shape of the body of a user. The weighted bands contain a constant number of fibers per length unit. The weight cover has an insulating textile layer (42). The weighted bands (20) has a first fastening mean (22) that is in engagement with a second fastening mean (44) of the weight cover (10).