Chair Resistive Support Mechanism With Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair support mechanisms lack adaptability, provide inadequate resistive support, and fail to promote dynamic movement, leading to prolonged static sitting and inadequate core muscle engagement, while also not being able to measure user activity levels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A resistive motion support mechanism with a pivot ball and resilient member that applies variable resistance, integrated with sensors and a communication system to measure movement and provide feedback, allowing for adjustable resistance and locking features, and the ability to assess user activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable chairs with multiple independent adjusting means are used, then individual fit and mobility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (tilt, rotation, height) into a single integrated resistive support mechanism that responds to user movement rather than requiring separate controls for each degree of freedom. This merging approach maintains adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism automatically adjusts chair position and resistance based on user movement and weight distribution, eliminating the need for manual adjustment controls. The system self-regulates tilt and rotation angles through resilient members that respond to user activity levels.
2Force
If prior art resistive support devices are used, then some resistive support is provided, but the range of motion and variable resistance throughout full range of tilt and rotational motions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance that varies continuously throughout the full range of motion. The resilient members provide progressive resistance as the chair tilts and rotates, with force increasing as displacement from neutral position increases. This allows variable resistance across the complete range of tilt and rotational motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive support mechanism simultaneously provides support for multiple degrees of freedom (tilt and rotation) through a unified system of resilient members arranged to resist motion in both planes, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each motion type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pivot point is positioned significantly below user's centre of mass as in prior art, then structural stability is improved, but core muscle engagement is reduced as user must lean body rather than mobilize pelvic and lower back skeletal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pivot point at a specific location that optimizes core engagement while maintaining stability. The resilient members are arranged to provide localized resistance at strategic points that target pelvic and lower back muscle groups, creating focused mechanical leverage that promotes core activation without requiring excessive body leaning.
4Ease of operation
If prior art chairs allow extensive adjustment freedom, then ergonomic positioning is improved, but users end up sitting in fixed position for prolonged periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect user movement and provide feedback through variable resistance. As users move, the system adjusts resistance levels to encourage continued movement rather than settling into static positions. The resistive force adapts in real-time to user activity, promoting dynamic sitting behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism creates periodic resistance patterns that naturally encourage rhythmic movement. The resilient members generate oscillating forces as users move between positions, promoting continuous small adjustments and preventing prolonged static sitting through inherent motion-inducing mechanics.
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 mechanism enhances user engagement by promoting dynamic movement, improving core strength and reducing static sitting-related issues, while also providing data on user activity levels to encourage more active seating.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member in contact relation with the pivot ball and with a wall of the housing such that the resilient member is compressed by the relative movement between the resistance cartridge and the pivot ball to thereby provide the resistive support to the mounting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A resistive motion support mechanism joined to a mounting surface and to a base for providing resistive support to the mounting surface as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement relative to the base, the motion support mechanism comprising: a support bearing connected to the mounting surface and to the base which permits one or both of tilting and rotational motion of the mounting surface relative to the base; a resistance cartridge fixedly connected to the mounting surface such that the resistance cartridge undergoes movement relative to the base and applies a resistive force on the base as the mounting surface undergoes the one or both of rotational and tilt movement. The mounting surface and the resistance cartridge are connected by at least one sensor for measuring one of forces applied by the mounting surface on the resistance cartridge, movement of the mounting surface with respect to the cartridge and/or acceleration of the mounting surface with respect to the cartridge.