An ergonomic acupressure chair

Abstract

An ergonomic chair system (50) for people who sit a lot, including a roller base for 360-degree rotation (10), which allows the user to move freely in a sitting position; an adjustable seat cushion with weight sensors (3) mounted in the base of the chair, which records the time the user spends sitting in the chair; a reflexology acupressure hand massager on the armrest (7) is located on both the right and left armrests and consists of five massage rollers in each arm, whereby the user can roll their hands over the massage roller, with the grooves present in the roller stimulating the pressure points, which is a non-invasive therapy that offers health benefits to sedentary people; a reflexology acupressure foot massager with slider (4) is attached to the bottom of the chair and consists of five massage rollers for each foot, whereby the user can roll their feet on the massage roller, with the grooves present in the roller stimulating the pressure points, which is a non-invasive therapy that offers health benefits to sedentary people; wherein the reflexology acupressure foot massager with slider (4) is positioned on the floor of the chair and is located in a metal housing (5) with a slider that pushes the massager into the housing when not in use and also provides mechanical support during the massage; a handle for the reflexology acupressure foot massager (15) is a special handle that allows the foot massager to be pulled out of the metal case (5) by gripping the handle with the toes while sitting, which is advantageous for the user as they do not have to get up and pull the foot massager; Push buttons (17) on the right armrest of the chair, configured to set / reset the alarm time duration of the sitting position by the seated persons using the plus and minus buttons and also provide a way to turn off the alarm signal in case of annoyance by the alarm sound using the alarm symbol display button, whereby the user can also have control over the alarm time when performing professional activities such as meetings and other emergency work; a speaker unit (18) in the left armrest of the chair, configured to emit an alarm signal and a voice reminder message, such as "Time for a break and a massage," after every 30 minutes of sitting on the chair, which is helpful for sedentary persons to remind them of the non-invasive therapy while they continue to work; and a control unit (6) on the underside of the chair, comprising a microcontroller unit, ESP32 (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for extended functionality), a real-time clock (RTC) module such as DS3231, a voice playback module that encourages the user to perform the therapy by continuously monitoring how many times the user has performed the foot and hand massage per day, with information that can be sent to the user as a message.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of healthcare and aims to combine ergonomic principles and traditional acupressure therapy to create a practical solution for improving overall health and quality of life. More specifically, the present invention is the design of a chair that integrates ergonomic features with acupressure therapy, providing pressure point stimulation to improve overall health and relieve so-called "sitting diseases." BACKGROUND

[0002] Sitting is a common body posture. When people work, socialize, study, or travel, they often do so in a seated position. Modern life makes it relatively easy to spend most of their time sitting. This sedentary behavior leads to most health problems. This sedentary behavior is linked to disease. However, recent research, as well as common sense, shows that our bodies are not designed for such prolonged inactivity. In fact, the most sedentary people had a 22-49% higher risk of early death. The legal working time in IT companies is 8 hours plus a one-hour lunch break. But depending on the company's requirements, employees are sometimes required to work more than 8 hours.

[0003] Research has shown that excessive sitting is associated with a higher risk of various health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease. The risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, significantly increase the risk of developing more serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

[0004] Other health problems include tight hips, back problems, osteoporosis, and blood clots in the legs. In addition to the physical effects, prolonged sitting can also be psychologically stressful. Too much uninterrupted sitting during the day increases the risk of dementia and anxiety, as mental health depends on movement and activity.

[0005] To encourage sedentary people to perform some exercises or therapies while working, the viable solution is to install the reflexology acupressure hand and foot massagers into the ergonomic chair, which is a cost-effective and more useful solution as compared to other acupressure devices available in the market.

[0006] Additionally, sedentary people need to schedule specific time for therapy or regular exercise to enhance the health benefits. Our proposed solution, however, allows the user to complete the work itself while working, rather than scheduling it separately.

[0007] Reflexology maps are based on the concept that the ear, foot, or hand are connected to all other parts of the body via the nervous system, or "energy," and thus become a reflection or snapshot of the entire body. Reflexology acupressure hand and foot tools apply pressure to the areas of the hands and feet, stimulating nerves and relaxing the body. Reflexology foot massage has multiple health benefits, including stress management and relaxation, pain management, improved digestion, and eye strain relief.

[0008] Therefore, in our invention, we propose an ergonomic chair equipped with an acupressure reflexology massager for feet and hands, a sensor unit, and a control unit. During work hours, users can enjoy this natural therapy. The chair is equipped with massage grooves that stimulate the pressure points of the foot and hand, thus providing pain relief, stress reduction, and increased blood circulation. The person in the chair can experience this massage while sitting in the chair and working at the same time. This natural therapy can relieve numerous symptoms and disorders of the body and mind. The control unit is a central system that includes a microcontroller unit, ESP32 (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for additional functionality), a real-time clock (RTC) module such as DS3231, a voice playback module, a buzzer or alarm speaker, and a battery pack.The control unit is installed on the back of the chair and features a rechargeable battery or a discreet power connection for continuous power. The control unit is connected to the weight sensor unit, the alarm unit, and the speaker unit. A voice-activated system is also integrated, which reminds the user every hour to massage. The user can control the time of the automatically activated voice system. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The main objective of the present invention is to develop an ergonomic chair with acupressure reflexology tools for hand and foot massage for people who sit a lot.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cure for so-called “sitting diseases” by reducing stress, anxiety and other effects while improving the quality of life.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to encourage the individual to perform the therapy regularly using a sensor and control unit. Through regular stimulation of acupressure points, the chair is intended to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and foster mental calm.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is the ergonomic chair design that promotes proper posture, minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and relieves back and neck pain.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to encourage people to practice hand and foot reflexology daily to balance the body's energy flow and possibly improve overall health and vitality.

[0014] Another object of this present invention is to provide a natural, drug-free way to promote relaxation and well-being without side effects.

[0015] Another object of this present invention is to provide a user-friendly, cost-effective and practical solution for individuals seeking alternative wellness practices in their daily lives.

[0016] Another object of this invention is that it can be used in all workplaces where work is predominantly carried out while sitting.

[0017] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

[0018] The various embodiments of the present invention disclose an ergonomic chair for all individuals who perform sedentary work (sedentary work at work, sedentary work during leisure time, and low physical activity). This sedentary work leads to most health problems, such as an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weakening of bones and muscles (potentially leading to conditions such as osteoporosis), and a higher likelihood of chronic back and neck pain due to poor posture. The developed ergonomic chair is a promising solution to avoid sedentary work, which can significantly improve physical, mental, and emotional health.

[0019] The ergonomic chair system consists of a 360-degree rotating steering wheel equipped with hand and foot reflexology tools. Contoured seats and backrests adapt to the body's natural curves to reduce pressure points and increase comfort. Lumbar support ensures proper spinal alignment. The chair also features adjustable seat height, depth, and tilt for a customized fit.

[0020] It integrates reflexology principles with ergonomic design to provide a holistic wellness experience. The ergonomic chair is equipped with a reflexology hand acupressure tool on both armrests. The foot massage tool is mounted on the height-adjustable rod with a sliding mechanism. The padded seat is equipped with a weight sensor to determine the user's seat occupancy.

[0021] The control unit on the back of the chair plays a very important role in the chair's design. The sensor attached to the chair detects whether the employee / worker has been sitting in the chair for more than 30 minutes. If the conditions are met, the alarm unit generates an alarm signal and a voice message prompting a massage.

[0022] When the seated person begins using the foot or hand massager, the alarm will stop for 30 minutes. The sensor built into the chair will detect the presence of the seated person again for more than 30 minutes. The process repeats itself. The 30-minute time can also be changed by the user.

[0023] This natural therapy repeatedly stimulates pressure points in the hands and feet, providing relief from pain, stress, etc. This natural therapy overcomes the side effects of so-called "sitting diseases."

[0024] These and other aspects of the embodiments described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while setting forth preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Numerous changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments described herein are intended to include all such modifications. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] The other objects, features and advantages appear to those disclosed in the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in the art, in which: Fig. shows the front isometric view of an ergonomic chair for good health and well-being according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. shows the rear view of an ergonomic chair for good health and well-being according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is done for convenience only, as each function may be combined with any or all of the other features according to the present invention. Detailed description

[0027] The various embodiments and other advances and features are illustrated by reference to the non-limiting details in the following detailed description. Illustrations of processing techniques of known components are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure those disclosed herein. The examples used herein are intended to enable an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments potentially practiced herein may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0028] The various embodiments of the present invention show an ergonomic chair (50) for good health and well-being. The present invention is a promising solution for improving overall health and quality of life. The ergonomic chair (50) includes a 360-degree rotating wheel, hand and foot reflexology, sensing, and control units. The ergonomic chair has a 360-degree rotating wheel (10) for the smooth movement preferred in all workplaces, allowing users to move effortlessly without getting up. Rotating wheels support natural, dynamic movements and improve comfort during extended use. The adjustable headset (1) supports the head and neck and ensures proper posture during use. It is adjustable to suit users of different heights.The base bar (11) consists of an aluminum or stainless steel frame, depending on the wheels, seating and accessories.

[0029] The adjustable lever or knob (9) allows manual adjustment of the chair's height to suit user preferences. The adjustable lever or handle (14) is the secondary adjustment mechanism, possibly for fine-tuning the height or tilt.

[0030] The height adjustment shaft (16) connected to the knob is equipped with a spring mechanism for compressing and expanding the chair's height. The line-adjustable shaft (16) connects to the gas lift mechanism (8) and is operated by the height adjustment lever or handle (14).

[0031] Fig.shows the isometric view of an ergonomic chair for good health and wellness according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arm rest (2) on the right and left sides is ergonomically designed to support the arms. The connecting molding on the handle (13) connects the arm to the chair structure. The reflexology craft (7) is integrated into the armrest and provides an acupressure massage to the hands for relaxation and to improve circulation. The reflexology tool consists of massage sticks or nodes, five in each arm and often made of durable materials such as silicone, plastic, or rubber. As the person rolls the hand over the nodes, the specific points in the hand are stimulated to target specific points related to organs or systems in the body.

[0032] According to traditional acupressure therapy, all organ functions in the palms of the hands and feet have been linked. When the person stimulates the pressure points by rolling over the hand massagers, the organs are stimulated as shown in the reflexology map (60), thereby regulating the energy of the entire body, potentially improving overall health and vitality. The person can apply pressure in the palm of their hand as desired, which is a non-invasive therapy. By stimulating the pressure points in the hand, pain in the hands caused by conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive stretch injuries can be relieved.

[0033] The reflexology module with slider setup (4) is located under the chair, which provides therapeutic acupressure to the feet. The slider mechanism allows the user to position or hide the massager when not in use. Metal casing (5) is given for the foot massager as it provides structural stability while the foot is placed on the massager. Also, the foot massager can be adjusted to slide into the metal casing when not in use. The adjustable screw (connectors on the acupressure molded casing) (12) allows for secure attachment and adjustment of the acupressure module with the chair. Based on the user's height, the position of the foot massager can be moved in the upward or downward direction. This feature is very useful for the user to place their foot on the foot massager at different heights.

[0034] The reflexology handle (15) is a dedicated handle to pull the foot massager out from the metal case (5) with the help of the toe finger in the foot while they are in the sitting position This benefits the user not to stand and pull the foot massager.

[0035] When the person stimulates the pressure points by rolling the foot pad in the foot massager over the foot area, the organs are stimulated as shown in the reflexology chart (70), maintaining the energy of the entire body, potentially improving overall health and vitality. The person can apply pressure to the foot area as desired, which is a non-invasive therapy. Stimulating the pressure points in the foot area has several health benefits, including stress management and relaxation, pain relief, improved digestion, and eye strain relief.

[0036] An adjustable sitz bath with weight sensors (3) ensures proper sitting posture and pressure distribution. The weight sensors are mounted under the seat cushion. The weight sensors detect the user's presence and signal the control unit to initiate therapy.

[0037] The control unit (6) is a central system that includes a microcontroller unit, ESP32 (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for advanced features), a real-time clock (RTC) module such as the DS3231, a voice playback module, a buzzer or alarm speaker, and a rechargeable battery. The control unit is located at the back of the chair, which is equipped with a rechargeable battery or a discreet power plug for continuous power supply.

[0038] The microcontroller is programmed to detect when the total sitting time of the user exceeds the threshold of 30 minutes and calls the alarm code for a few seconds. Then the program calls to play the voice message. Now the user has two options a) he starts the therapy and b) refuses the therapy, in both cases the microcontroller unit waits for 30 minutes without taking any action and after 30 minutes it starts charging the users for the users. Therefore, the ergonomic chair will guide the user to perform the therapy through continuous monitoring. The microcontroller unit can also be programmed to find out how many times / per day the foot massage and hand massage have been performed through the detection unit attached with the foot and hand massager. The same information can be sent to the user as a message.

[0039] The right armrest contains three push buttons (17) with different labels or symbols to identify their purpose. (i) To manually silence the alarm in case of an annoyance. (ii) Press the plus button to increase the alarm length from 30 minutes to one hour. (iii) Press the minus button to decrease the alarm time from 30 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0040] The right arm buttons (17) provide inputs to the control unit (6) to increase or decrease the sitting time in the chair and to stop the alarm signal if it is considered a nuisance. However, the user cannot change the pleasant voice message reminder to perform therapy.

[0041] The left armrest has a speaker unit (18) housed in a knob-like casing made of sturdy plastic or metal. It has perforations or a grille in the casing that prevent sound from passing through. The speaker will alert if the user sits for more than 30 minutes, followed by a voice message reminding them of therapy and an alarm beep when the alarm time is increased or decreased.

[0042] The weight sensor detects the user in the chair and starts the real-time clock. The microcontroller tracks the duration. After 30 minutes, the system triggers the buzzer and speaker to alert the user. The voice module plays a reminder message such as "Time for a break and a massage."

[0043] The wires connecting the speaker to the control unit should be routed over the chair frame to keep them hidden. The speaker draws power from the chair's central power system, which may use a battery or wall adapter.

[0044] It is noted that the above-described examples of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only. Although the present invention has been described in connection with a specific example thereof, numerous modifications may be possible without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, changes, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present solution. All features disclosed in this specification (including all accompanying claims, abstracts, and drawings), and / or all steps of any such disclosed method or process and / or steps, are mutually exclusive.

[0045] Although the embodiments described herein with various specific embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art to practice herein with modifications. Reference list: 50 An ergonomic chair system 1 adjustable headset 2 Arm rest 3 adjustable seat cushion with weight sensors 4 Reflexik acupressure foot massagers with slider setup 5 Metal housing 6 Control unit 7 Reflexik acupressure hand massagers at arm rest 8 Gas lift 9 Adjustable - height adjustable button (connection with adjustable handle) 10 Caster wheel (360 degrees rotation) 11 Base rod 12 adjustable spring (connection in the mushroom cap) 13 binding form in the handle 14 Adjustable handle - height 15 Handle for reflexology massage 16 Adjustable heavy shaft (contact with handle and base rod) 17 right arm buttons 18 speaker unit

Claims

[1] An ergonomic chair system (50) for people who sit a lot, comprising a roller base for 360-degree rotation (10), which allows the user to move freely in a sitting position; an adjustable seat cushion with weight sensors (3) mounted in the base of the chair, which records the time the user spends sitting in the chair; a reflexology acupressure hand massager on the armrest (7) is located on both the right and left armrests and consists of five massage rollers in each arm, whereby the user can roll their hands over the massage roller, with the grooves present in the roller stimulating the pressure points, which is a non-invasive therapy that offers health benefits to sedentary people; a reflexology acupressure foot massager with slider (4) is attached to the bottom of the chair and consists of five massage rollers for each foot, whereby the user can roll their feet on the massage roller, with the grooves present in the roller stimulating the pressure points, which is a non-invasive therapy that offers health benefits to sedentary people; wherein the reflexology acupressure foot massager with slider (4) is positioned on the floor of the chair and is located in a metal housing (5) with a slider that pushes the massager into the housing when not in use and also provides mechanical support during the massage; a handle for the reflexology acupressure foot massager (15) is a special handle that allows the foot massager to be pulled out of the metal case (5) by gripping the handle with the toes while sitting, which is advantageous for the user as they do not have to get up and pull the foot massager; Push buttons (17) on the right armrest of the chair, configured to set / reset the alarm time duration of the sitting position by the seated persons using the plus and minus buttons and also provide a way to turn off the alarm signal in case of annoyance by the alarm sound using the alarm symbol display button, whereby the user can also have control over the alarm time when performing professional activities such as meetings and other emergency work; a speaker unit (18) in the left armrest of the chair, configured to emit an alarm signal and a voice reminder message, such as "Time for a break and a massage," after every 30 minutes of sitting on the chair, which is helpful for sedentary persons to remind them of the non-invasive therapy while they continue to work; and a control unit (6) on the underside of the chair, comprising a microcontroller unit, ESP32 (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for extended functionality), a real-time clock (RTC) module such as DS3231, a voice playback module that encourages the user to perform the therapy by continuously monitoring how many times the user has performed the foot and hand massage per day, with information that can be sent to the user as a message. [2] The ergonomic chair system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is connected to the chair via cables to continuously monitor seated persons during therapy. [3] The ergonomic chair system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) comprises a rechargeable battery or a plug connection for the power supply. [4] The ergonomic chair system according to claim 1, wherein the signal detected by the sensors mounted in the chair can be used to operate the control unit and the speaker unit.

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