Backrest with Segmented Thorax Support for Adaptable Spine Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backrest designs for seats often fail to provide adequate support for the upper body, leading to discomfort and back pain, especially during prolonged sitting, as they lack effective thoracic spine support that can adjust to individual user needs.
Innovation Solution
A backrest with a thorax support system featuring two separate plate-shaped support surfaces that are adjustable in height and distance from each other, allowing independent movement through Dondola joints, and can be integrated into the upholstery or as a bionic skeleton, providing symmetrical support and flexibility to accommodate the user's spine and shoulder blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single rigid thoracic support plate is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to individual user needs and sitting position changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thoracic support is divided into two separate plate-shaped support surfaces (93) instead of a single rigid plate. Each support surface can be independently adjusted in height and distance from the other, allowing the system to adapt to individual user needs and sitting position changes while maintaining structural stability through their coordinated arrangement on the mounting plate.
2Ease of manufacture
If support surfaces are fixed in position, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but comfort during position changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support surfaces are made adjustable rather than fixed. Each support surface can be independently adjusted in height relative to the backrest structure and in distance from the other support surface. This dynamic capability allows users to modify the support configuration for comfort during position changes while the adjustment mechanisms maintain reasonable manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate support surfaces are used, then adaptability to spine position changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thoracic support is segmented into two separate plate-shaped support surfaces that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation provides adaptability to spine position changes by allowing each surface to respond to different positional requirements. The complexity is managed by mounting both surfaces on a common mounting plate (95) that is attached to the backrest structure, providing a organized framework for the adjustable components.
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 thorax support system effectively reduces back pain by providing individualized and adjustable support for the upper body, allowing for comfortable sitting and active support, even when changing positions, while also being adaptable to different user sizes and seat configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each support surface is preferably provided with its own joint, and each joint is connected to a mounting plate attached to the backrest structure. This allows the two support surfaces to independently exert a yielding, pivoting, or rotating motion through the joint. Preferably, a so-called Dondola joint is provided, which allows a wobbling movement of the support surface around the point of application at the joint.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a backrest, in particular for a seat (12) or a chair (14), having a rest structure (76) which receives a covering (79) or upholstery which form at least one backrest surface, and having a thorax support (92), the thorax support (92) having two planar support surfaces (93) which are formed separately from one another.