Adjustable Seat with Spinal Measurement-Based Support Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat adjustment systems do not account for individual user-specific body features, leading to potentially suboptimal seating positions despite user adjustments, as they rely on crowd-sourced anthropometric data rather than unique user measurements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable seat system with support members and a control module that uses specific spinal and body measurements, such as spinal length, curvatures, and vertebral angles, to automatically adjust the seat to support the user's back, incorporating actuators or inflatable bladders for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If crowd-sourced anthropometric data is used for seat adjustment, then general adaptability is improved, but user-specific precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the seat into multiple independently adjustable support members (lumbar support, thoracic support, cervical support, seat cushion) that can be individually positioned based on specific anthropometric measurements, allowing precise customization for each user's body dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple seat parameters simultaneously (support member positions, angles, and configurations) based on input anthropometric data including sitting height, thigh length, calf length, and elbow height, transforming general adjustment capabilities into user-specific precision through parameter optimization
2Ease of operation
If manual seat adjustment by user is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but adjustment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic adjustment where the seat autonomously positions support members based on stored anthropometric data or real-time measurements, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving precise positioning that users cannot accomplish alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect user presence, body position, and pressure distribution, automatically adjusting seat parameters based on this feedback to achieve optimal positioning without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support members are added for personalized support, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a modular actuator mechanism that serves multiple functions across different support members, where a single actuator design can adjust various seat components (lumbar, thoracic, cervical supports and cushion) through standardized mounting and control interfaces, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple adjustment points
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control of multiple support members into a unified control system that processes anthropometric data and coordinates adjustment of all components simultaneously, integrating sensors, actuators, and control logic into a cohesive system that manages complexity through centralized intelligence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable/personalised seat arrangement which includes (i) a plurality of support members which supports different portions of a person's back. (ii) at least one adjustment arrangement which selectively adjusts each support member, and (iii) a control module. The control module receives/retrieves information which corresponds to a particular seating position for a specific person. The received/retrieved information also corresponds to spinal length, spinal curvatures and/or individual vertebral angles of the person's spine. The control module utilises the received/retrieved information and the adjustment arrangement in order to selectively adjust each support member into a position which corresponds with and supports the specific person's back. The invention also relates to a method of creating a personalised seat/sitting profile for a particular person. The method includes taking measurements of the particular person's spine and generating a seat/sitting profile for the person by utilising the measurements.