Adaptive Seat Back Support for Sequential Posture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable seat assemblies fail to provide optimal comfort and posture alignment for occupants, leading to potential health issues such as spinal misalignments and fatigue, as they lack advanced sensors and adaptive support systems to adjust seating dynamically based on individual biomechanics.
Innovation Solution
The integration of sensors and an actuator system within the seat assembly, combined with inflatable air bladders in specific regions, is controlled by a computer-program product to detect and adjust the seating position, ensuring even occupancy and sequential posture alignment through inflation of air bladders in the thoracic, lumbar, and scapular regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable seat assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but they fail to provide optimal comfort and posture alignment for occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is divided into multiple independently controllable air bladder assemblies positioned at different regions (upper, middle, lower). Each assembly can be adjusted separately to provide targeted support for specific body parts, enabling precise posture alignment without requiring complete redesign of the entire seat system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inflatable air bladders controlled by an inflation device to provide adaptive support. The air bladders can be inflated or deflated to adjust the level and position of support, offering a simple yet effective mechanism for posture adjustment without complex mechanical structures.
2Extent of automation
If sensors and actuators are integrated into the seat assembly, then dynamic posture adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly uses sensors to automatically detect occupant presence and seating position, then the controller autonomously adjusts the air bladders without requiring manual input from the occupant. This self-service approach achieves automatic posture adjustment while minimizing the need for complex user interfaces or manual controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor seating position and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to make real-time adjustments to the air bladder inflation levels, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains optimal posture support.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple air bladder assemblies are used in different regions, then sequential posture alignment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is segmented into multiple regions with dedicated air bladder assemblies for upper, middle, and lower sections. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific support function while using standardized components that can be manufactured and assembled using similar processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bladder assemblies use a standardized design and control mechanism that can serve multiple functions across different seat regions. The same basic air bladder structure and control logic are applied throughout, allowing for economies of scale in manufacturing and simplifying the assembly process through component standardization.
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
This solution enhances comfort and reduces fatigue by dynamically adjusting the seat to support the occupant's posture, minimizing spinal misalignments and promoting better alignment, thereby improving overall seating experience and health.
Implementation Method 1
A first air bladder assembly or a first series of multiple bladders is oriented in a thoracic region of the seat back. A second air bladder assembly or a second series of multiple bladders is oriented in at least one of a lumbar region, a sacrum region, and a scapular region of the seat back.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion and a pivotal seat back. Sensors are connected to the seat cushion and/or the seat back to detect a seating position. An actuator is connected to the seat cushion and/or the seat back for adjustment. A controller is configured to receive data from the plurality sensors, compare the data to determine if the occupant is seated evenly, and adjust the actuator to balance the occupant posture seating position. The controller is in electrical communication with an inflation device to inflate a first air bladder assembly in a thoracic region of the seat back. A second air bladder assembly oriented in a lumbar region, a sacrum region, and/or a scapular region of the seat back is inflated after initiating inflation of the first air bladder assembly for sequential posture alignment.