Back saver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged sitting leads to discomfort, lower back pain, and restricted blood flow due to cumulative pressure, with existing chair cushions failing to address these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
An independently activated seat cushion with a motorized metal movement plate that turns and lifts the user in programmable sequences to reduce pressure and promote blood flow, featuring a stepper motor, helical threads, and a programmable state machine to facilitate gentle, continuous movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional chair cushion is used, then the seat is softened for comfort, but lower back pain and restricted blood flow are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the static chair cushion into a dynamic system with motorized movement plates that actively move the user's body. The movement plates execute programmed sequences of motions (rocking, rotating, lifting) to dynamically adjust pressure distribution and promote blood flow, resolving the limitation of traditional static cushions that only provide passive softening.
2Device complexity
If no movement mechanism is added, then the device remains simple, but cumulative pressure in the lower back region is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Segmentation by dividing the seat cushion into multiple independent movement plates (first movement plate, second movement plate, third movement plate) that can operate autonomously in programmed sequences. This segmentation allows complex pressure-relief functionality to be achieved through coordinated simple motions of individual plates, maintaining relative device simplicity while effectively reducing cumulative lower back pressure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If motorized movement plates are added, then blood flow and pressure distribution are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing movement plates that perform multiple functions: they distribute pressure, promote blood flow, and provide therapeutic motion all through the same mechanical structure. The controller unit also serves multiple purposes by managing sequencing, timing, and coordination of all movement plates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added motorized capabilities.
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
The device effectively reduces lower back pain and promotes blood flow by providing gentle, continuous movement, maintaining user comfort during prolonged sitting and preventing disc damage through dynamic equilibrium and improved hydration.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to turn and/or lift the sitting user in a sequence of turning and lifting actions determined by the sitting user
Data Source
AI summary
The Back Saver is uniquely designed to move independently, directly effecting the dynamic equilibrium in the user's lumbar disc, to prolong the user's comfort level by promoting continuous movement of their pelvis and lower spine, and to facilitate the user's center of gravity through constant movement. The device for a sitting user includes a base housing comprising an inside annular ledge, an outer flat base and electronic components configured for turning and lifting a sitting user. The device also includes a metal movement plate configured to be received into the inside annular ledge and turn therein via an assistive motor action on the metal movement plate. The device further includes a motor configured to turn and lift the sitting user in a sequence of turning and lifting actions determined by the sitting user.