Chair Back Support Sled for Adaptive Sacrum and Lumbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of seating structures, particularly office chairs, often experience discomfort and poor posture due to a void between the chair backrest and the sacrum, leading to slouching, increased fatigue, and potential long-term back issues like pain and muscle soreness.
Innovation Solution
A back support system for chairs featuring a cover coupled to the chair frame with a strap and a pivotable sled that adjusts between positions to maintain parallel alignment with the backrest membrane, providing customizable support and preventing pinching, while allowing for flexibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible backrest is used to accommodate user movements, then comfort during position changes is improved, but adequate support during prolonged sitting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent support members (first support member and second support member) that can move relative to each other. The first support member provides stable support for the upper back while the second support member adjusts to fill the void at the sacrum, allowing each segment to perform its specialized function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed with dynamic movement capabilities - the first support member can tilt backward relative to the second support member, and the second support member can move vertically along the chair frame. This dynamic structure allows the backrest to adapt to user movements while maintaining support
2Stability of the object's composition
If the backrest is fixed to maintain structural stability, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to different user positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support members uses movable joints instead of fixed connections. The first support member is pivotally connected to the second support member, allowing relative tilting motion while maintaining structural integrity. The second support member slides along the chair frame, providing adaptability while maintaining overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest structure is segmented into multiple independently movable components connected through joints. This segmentation allows each component to move independently to adapt to user positions while the interconnected structure maintains overall structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If the backrest uses a simple membrane structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to provide targeted lumbar support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single membrane, the backrest uses multiple discrete support members (first and second support members) with specific geometric shapes. The first support member has a curved surface for upper back support while the second support member provides targeted lumbar support, achieving manufacturing precision through segmented structured
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the backrest have different structural qualities - the first support member has a curved surface configuration optimized for upper back contact, while the second support member has a specific shape and movement capability optimized for lumbar support. Each local region is designed with the quality needed for its specific function
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 system ensures proper spinal alignment, reduces fatigue and discomfort by maintaining support across the user's back, preventing slouching and alleviating pressure on lumbar discs, thereby minimizing the risk of long-term back issues.
Implementation Method 1
The sled is configured to pivot with respect to the chair frame and provide support to a user's back
Implementation Method 2
The strap is tensioned between the first and second connection points
Data Source
AI summary
A back support for a chair includes a cover configured to be coupled to opposing sides of a chair frame. A strap is connected to the cover. A sled having a central portion is coupled to the strap, the sled is configured to pivot with respect to the chair frame and provide support to a user's back. The cover is configured to moveably connect to the chair frame between a low position and a high position. The sled is configured to pivot as the cover moves between the low position and the high position so that the central portion of the sled is substantially parallel to at least a portion of a membrane connected to the frame between the low position and the high position.