Dynamic Seat Pan Suspension for Active Sitting Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ergonomic chairs primarily focus on static posture support, neglecting the health implications of prolonged stationary sitting, and non-traditional ergonomic seating alternatives have not been widely adopted due to design issues.
Innovation Solution
A chair design featuring a seat pan that moves dynamically in multiple degrees of freedom, supported by a suspension assembly and actuated lumbar support, with integrated ergonomic position sensors and feedback systems to encourage active sitting and improve posture awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional ergonomic chairs are designed with static posture support, then posture correctness is improved, but user health deteriorates due to prolonged stationary sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static seat pan into a dynamic system that moves in multiple degrees of freedom. The seat pan is supported by movement support members (springs, shock absorbers, or pneumatic elements) that allow it to float and move dynamically in response to user movements, thereby encouraging active sitting while maintaining ergonomic support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-traditional ergonomic seating is designed with freedom of movement, then user health is improved, but device complexity increases due to unusual design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the chair into functionally independent modules: a fixed frame structure, a movable seat pan supported by independent movement support members, and an adjustable lumbar support system. This modular approach allows freedom of movement while managing complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement support members serve multiple functions: they support the seat pan, enable dynamic movement in multiple degrees of freedom, provide lumbar support adjustment, and accommodate various user positions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating several functions into single components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the seat pan is designed to move dynamically in multiple degrees of freedom, then user health is improved through active sitting, but device complexity increases due to additional movement support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible movement support members (springs, shock absorbers, or pneumatic elements) that provide the necessary compliance and movement freedom. These flexible elements enable dynamic seat pan movement while maintaining structural integrity, achieving health benefits without excessive mechanical complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If lumbar support is made adjustable to accommodate forward sitting positions, then ergonomic support is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support is designed as a dynamic, adjustable mechanism that can be repositioned along the seat pan to accommodate different sitting positions, particularly forward sitting. This adjustability maintains proper lumbar alignment while adapting to varying user needs, achieving ergonomic support without overly complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A chair includes a seat pan member, a movement support frame, and at least two movement support members operatively connected to the seat pan member and the movement support frame. The at least two movement support members are configured to support the seat pan member in a floating manner for dynamic movement with respect to the movement support frame in at least one degree of freedom in a horizontal seating plane.