Forward Body-Support Seat for Back Tension Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prolonged sitting in office work leads to poor posture, back problems, and discomfort due to uneven weight distribution and lack of effective back support in conventional office chairs, resulting in increased healthcare costs and reduced work performance.

Innovation Solution

A seat design featuring a body support extending forward above the seat surface, allowing the hips and abdomen to rest, combined with adjustable armrests that slope outward to provide ergonomic support, enabling better weight distribution, mobility, and blood circulation, along with adjustable positioning for enhanced comfort and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional office chair with backrest is used, then basic back support is provided, but the upper body remains in a stooped position causing back muscle tension and pain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesitting comfortVSAvoidback muscle tension and pain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a forward-extending body support structure that creates a new spatial dimension for weight distribution. Instead of only vertical backrest support, the seat now provides support in the forward direction, allowing the user's torso to rest on the extended surface and shift weight from the back muscles to the seat structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat is divided into distinct functional zones: a rear support area for the buttocks and a forward-extending body support area for the torso. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone - the rear portion provides stable base support while the forward portion enables weight transfer and reduces back muscle engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the body support extends forward to allow upper body rest, then weight distribution improves and back relief is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback pain reliefVSAvoidseat structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The forward-extending body support is integrated as a continuous surface with the rear seat portion, forming a unified structure. This merging approach avoids the need for separate mechanical components, joints, or adjustment mechanisms, thereby providing enhanced back support functionality while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sitting position options are increased for better ergonomics, then work comfort improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesitting position optionsVSAvoidadjustment mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat utilizes passive parameter changes through material selection and structural geometry rather than active adjustment mechanisms. The foam density gradient (softer at front, firmer at rear) and the angled forward extension create natural position variations that adapt to different user preferences and work tasks without requiring motors, sensors, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2785215B1Seat having a body support function
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 DEL CURTO MARCO
  • EP2785215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a seat, which has a body support (3) extending forwardly above the seating surface (2). Said body support is arranged in spatial relationship with the seating surface (2) in such a manner that the lower region of a human torso, specifically the hip and/or abdomen area, is able to rest thereon. As a supplementary measure, at least one, preferably two arm rests (18) are provided. Said armrests are arranged next to and/or in front of the body support (3). In a preferred design, the body support (3) and the arm supports (18) form a shell adapted to the human anatomy. In individual cases, the forwardly extended torso can be relieved of stress by supporting the arms on said arm supports (18). A wider range of seating positions is thus possible and working at a desk or computer for an extended amount of time is made easier. The body can be kept fit effortlessly.