Dual Oscillating Element Seating for Even Spinal Pressure Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seating devices are often static, leading to uneven pressure distribution on the spine and intervertebral discs, causing osteoarticular pathologies and discomfort due to lack of movement and poor posture, with existing dynamic solutions either being unstable or lacking control and customization.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic postural device featuring two oscillating elements with a seating and supporting portion, connected via a universal joint, allowing adjustable and controlled oscillation to distribute weight evenly and provide lumbar support, with adjustable and lockable features for personalized comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a static seating surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but it causes uneven pressure distribution on the spine and intervertebral discs leading to osteoarticular pathologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiduneven pressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static seating surface into a dynamic oscillating system. The oscillating element connected through a universal joint enables continuous micro-movements that actively redistribute pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs, preventing the harmful effects of static positioning while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the oscillating motion of the seating surface. The universal joint enables rhythmic back-and-forth movements that periodically adjust the seating angle, creating cyclic pressure redistribution that counteracts the development of osteoarticular pathologies caused by prolonged static sitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spherical flexible element is used for seating surface, then mobility is improved, but total instability causes stress and muscular fatigue for prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidstress and muscular fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the completely unstable spherical flexible element with a controlled dynamic system. The oscillating element with universal joint provides regulated mobility that adapts to user movement while maintaining stability through controlled oscillation ranges, preventing excessive stress and muscular fatigue during prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency through the universal joint mechanism. This regulates the degree of mobility and instability, transforming the extreme parameter state of total instability into an optimized range that provides adaptability without causing stress or fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal joint is used to create unstable seating surface, then balance control is improved, but total instability makes the seat uncomfortable for prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance controlVSAvoidcomfort for prolonged periods
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between balance control and comfort by implementing controlled dynamics. The universal joint enables oscillating motion that actively engages core muscles for balance control, while the limited oscillation range and smooth motion characteristics maintain comfort during prolonged sitting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing balance control stimulation only when needed through controlled oscillation, rather than continuous instability. The system delivers sufficient motion stimulus to engage muscles for balance control while avoiding excessive movement that would compromise comfort during extended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the seating surface is made unstable with joints, then balance control is enhanced, but lack of control causes shaky and uncontrolled balance making the seat uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance controlVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves reliable balance control through controlled dynamics. The universal joint provides predictable oscillating motion with defined movement characteristics, enabling users to adapt to the motion pattern and develop reliable balance control without experiencing shaky or uncontrolled instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the oscillating motion that continuously provides tactile information to the user's balance system. The regular oscillation pattern creates predictable feedback that helps users adjust their posture and muscle engagement, leading to stable and reliable balance control over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3493704B1Dynamic postural device
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 OSTI LEONARDO
  • EP3493704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3493704B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3493704B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The dynamic postural device (1) comprises two oscillating elements (2) having respectively: - a seating portion (3) to support a buttock (4) of a user (5); a supporting portion (6) opposite to the seating portion (3) and of a substantially convex shape; in which the supporting portion (6) is adapted to allow the oscillation of the respective oscillating element (2) as a result of the seating of the user (5).