3D Motion Seat Suspension for Natural Pelvic Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current chairs lack the ability to allow pelvic movement in the coronal or frontal plane and fail to mimic the balancing micro-movements experienced during standing and walking, leading to potential physical discomfort and stress due to inactivity and unvaried pressure on joints.
Innovation Solution
A seating system with suspension systems that enable independent vertical translation, longitudinal roll, elevation rotation, and azimuthal rotation of seats, along with elastically coupled flexures and supports for the thighs, legs, and back, allowing for natural movements and providing tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current chairs constrain the pelvis to a fixed horizontal position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but natural pelvic movement and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed, static seat structure into a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The suspension system enables the pelvis to move naturally in the coronal plane and allows balancing micro-movements, converting a static constraint into a dynamic, adaptive structure that responds to occupant movement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat is segmented into multiple independently movable components through the suspension system. Each suspension element can move independently, allowing different parts of the seat to respond to different movement requirements, thereby enabling complex pelvic movements while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angle between seatback and sitting surface is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to spontaneous movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback angle is transformed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic variable that can change at high frequencies. The suspension system allows the seatback to pivot and adjust its angle in real-time in response to spontaneous occupant movements, providing continuous adaptability without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system enables the seat to self-adjust its configuration in response to occupant movements. The mechanical linkage and elastic elements automatically respond to changes in occupant position and weight distribution, adjusting the seatback angle and support characteristics without requiring external control inputs or complex electronic systems.
3Ease of operation
If frequent small motions are introduced for comfort, then physical well-being is improved, but control and stability of the seat become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system utilizes parameter changes in the elastic elements to manage the trade-off between motion and stability. The elastic suspension allows controlled movement in response to occupant actions while the inherent elasticity provides restoring forces that maintain overall positional stability, dynamically adjusting the balance between motion freedom and positional control.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by allowing natural movements, reducing muscle inactivity and joint pressure, and providing enhanced support and feedback, suitable for prolonged sitting and dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
elastically coupled flexures and supports
Implementation Method 2
suspension systems that enable independent vertical translation, longitudinal roll, elevation rotation, and azimuthal rotation of seats
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a seating system which may included a left seat and a right seat independently supported by left and right suspensions systems, respectively. The left and right suspension systems may provide independent vertical, lateral, azimuthal, and longitudinal roll motion of the left and right seats.