Adjustable Back Support Fulcrum for Lumbar and Sacral Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back support structures often lack adjustable lumbar and sacral support, leading to poor posture, discomfort, and potential long-term back issues due to inadequate alignment and limited adjustability, especially in seating devices where users are restricted in their postural positions.
Innovation Solution
A back support structure featuring a frame, an upright member with a support pad, a fulcrum member, and an adjustment mechanism that allows for multiple positions and independent movement of support pads to align with the user's lumbar and sacral regions, providing customizable support through a combination of pivoting and flexible mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed support pad is provided, then the structure is simple, but the ability to differentiate and adjust support in lumbar and sacral areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The back support is divided into separate lumbar and sacral support pads that can be independently adjusted. The lumbar support pad and sacral support pad are distinct components, each with its own adjustment mechanism, allowing differentiated support for different spinal regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fulcrum member is fixed in position, then the structure is stable and simple, but the user cannot adjust the support to different positions to match varying postural needs
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum member is made adjustable through a ratchet mechanism that allows it to be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the backrest. This dynamic element enables the user to adapt the support position to different seating heights and postural requirements while maintaining stability once positioned.
3Ease of operation
If the support pad is rigidly connected to the frame, then the support structure is stable, but it cannot accommodate user movements and position shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad is connected to the frame through a fulcrum member that allows controlled movement and adjustment. This dynamic connection enables the support to accommodate user movements and position shifts while maintaining structural stability through the fulcrum's constrained motion paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A back support structure includes a frame, a support, a fulcrum member, and an adjustment mechanism. The support includes an upright member having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the upright member is connected to the frame at a first location. A support pad is connected to the upper end of the upright member. The fulcrum member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the frame at a second location spaced vertically above the first location. The fulcrum member includes a fulcrum engaging the upright member between the upper and lower ends. The fulcrum member is moveable between a plurality of fulcrum positions. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment member connected to the frame and the lower portion of the fulcrum member. The adjustment member is adjustable to move the fulcrum member to the plurality of fulcrum positions.