Eccentric Body Support Structure for Adjustable Multi-Posture Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing body support devices are not comprehensive, integrated solutions for supporting multiple body parts and are limited in adjustability, failing to meet ergonomic requirements and suitability for multifunctional work systems like assembly line assembly.

Innovation Solution

A body support device with adjustable supports and longitudinal struts that allow for eccentric rotation, enabling comprehensive support for various body parts, including feet, knees, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, back, and head, with adjustable height and depth settings, and the option to attach a footrest element, suitable for different postures and user sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single longitudinal strut is used on each side of the backrest and seat support, then the device structure is simplified, but the support functionality is limited and cannot accommodate multiple body parts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidsupport functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the support structure into multiple independent longitudinal struts (first, second, third, and fourth struts) positioned at different locations. Each strut can independently support different body parts, allowing the system to provide comprehensive support for feet, knees, thighs, buttocks, back, and head simultaneously without excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple longitudinal struts are designed to serve universal support functions across different body regions. Each strut can support various body parts depending on its position and the configuration of supports, enabling a single device to function as footrest, knee support, seat, backrest, and head support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If supports are fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but the device cannot be adjusted to different body sizes and postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supports are designed to be movable along the longitudinal struts rather than fixed. Each support can be adjusted to different positions on its corresponding strut, allowing dynamic adaptation to different body sizes, weights, and postures. This enables the same device to accommodate various users and support different body parts at different locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameters of the supports along the longitudinal struts can be changed to adapt to different user requirements. By adjusting the location of supports on struts and the orientation of struts themselves, the device can be configured for different body dimensions and support needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the support strut is arranged centrally in the cross section, then rotation is centered, but the support cannot be rotated to adjust orientation for different body parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidsupport configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support strut is deliberately arranged eccentrically (off-center) in the cross-section of the support. This asymmetric positioning creates a pivot point that enables rotational adjustment of the support relative to the longitudinal strut. The eccentric arrangement allows the support to be rotated to different orientations to accommodate different body parts and postures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric support strut configuration enables dynamic rotational adjustment of supports. Supports can be rotated about their eccentric struts to change orientation, allowing the same support structure to adapt to different body parts (feet, knees, thighs, buttocks, back, head) and various postures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable supports are provided for different body parts, then ergonomic support is improved, but the device becomes more complex and less suitable for simple applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic supportVSAvoidoverall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs multiple longitudinal struts and supports that serve universal functions across different body regions. The same basic structural elements (struts and supports) can support feet, knees, thighs, buttocks, back, and head depending on their position and configuration, providing comprehensive ergonomic support without requiring entirely separate structures for each body part

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is segmented into multiple independent but coordinated longitudinal struts with supports. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific location while working together to provide comprehensive ergonomic support. The modular segmented structure achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2178419B1Apparatus for body support and use of the apparatus in different activity regions of a user
Publication Date: 2011.07.20 KINEMA GMBH
  • EP2178419B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2178419B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2178419B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention discloses an apparatus (1) for body support, with at least one support (10) and at least one longitudinal strut (13), wherein at least one support (10) is adjustable in height and in depth. The supports (10) are each connected directly via a supporting strut (11) to in each case one of the longitudinal struts (13). The supporting strut (11) runs through the support (10) at least partially along a longitudinal axis (12) of the support (10). The supporting strut (11) is arranged eccentrically in the cross section (50) of the support (10). The invention furthermore discloses a use of the apparatus (1) for body support in a working system (35).