Apparatus for stimulating synchronized body motions of a user
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged sitting leads to various physical issues such as posture problems, blood circulation issues, muscular and skeletal pain, and early death, as people spend extended periods seated due to lifestyle or necessity, with existing seating solutions failing to effectively address these concerns.
Innovation Solution
A chair with synchronized seat and backrest movements that mimic walking motions, using actuators to induce contra-lateral shoulder and pelvic motions, which can be integrated into or added to existing furniture, featuring hydraulic or pneumatic systems and sensors to adjust movements based on user input and behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary seat is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but physical health deteriorates due to lack of motion stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary seat into a dynamic system with movable platforms that can rock, tilt, and translate in synchronized patterns. The seat structure incorporates actuators and linkages that enable controlled motion, allowing the seat to adapt its position and orientation to stimulate synchronized body movements and contra-lateral shoulder and pelvic motions, thereby maintaining physical health while increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the synchronized rocking and tilting motions of the seat platforms, which repeat cyclically to mimic walking patterns. The actuators drive periodic oscillations that stimulate the user's body rhythmically, creating contra-lateral movements of the shoulders and pelvis. This periodic motion pattern continues throughout the seating period to maintain physical health and prevent deterioration from prolonged sitting
2Ease of operation
If independent platform movement is added, then seating comfort improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple independent platform movements (rocking, tilting, translating) into a synchronized integrated system. The actuators coordinate the motions of different seat platforms so that they move in unison, creating a cohesive motion pattern that enhances comfort while managing complexity through unified control rather than independent operation of each platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the motion mechanism to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the same actuator system produces rocking motion for pelvic stimulation, tilting motion for spinal alignment, and translational motion for rhythmic movement. This multi-functional approach enhances seating comfort through diverse motion patterns while avoiding the complexity of separate systems for each motion type
3Reliability
If actuated motion systems are implemented, then therapeutic effects increase, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action to reduce energy consumption by using rhythmic, cyclic motions that can be optimized for efficiency. The actuators operate in periodic cycles that match the user's natural movement rhythm, allowing for synchronized therapeutic effects while minimizing continuous energy input. The periodic oscillations create therapeutic Contra-lateral movements without requiring constant high-energy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using motion patterns that adapt to the user's body movements and therapeutic needs. The actuator system dynamically adjusts its operation to produce the necessary therapeutic effects with minimal energy, utilizing the user's own body weight and motion to assist in the therapeutic process rather than requiring continuous high-energy actuation
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 chair effectively reduces pain, increases mobility, stimulates nervous responses, and promotes flexibility by simulating walking motions while seated, thereby mitigating the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic systems
Implementation Method 2
actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic systems
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for imparting a repetitive motion to a user. The apparatus may include one or more seat platforms and one or more backrests. Repeated motion of the pelvis and shoulders of the user may be contra lateral. The motions of the user may mimic walking. The apparatus may include a chair. The apparatus may include a sensor. The sensor may be used to control the apparatus and/or the sensor may be used to adjust the movement regime according to the user. The apparatus may help for example, to mobilize limited mobility users and/or to train healthier habits.