Ergonomic Task Chair With Lumbar Exercise Resistance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic chairs fail to adequately address the need for lumbar muscle strengthening and proper resistance curves to prevent low back pain and injury in seated workers, leading to increased risk and healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A chair that combines ergonomic support with an exercise device featuring adjustable lumbar and armrest restraints, a four-bar linkage mechanism providing a 1.4:1 linear and descending resistance curve, and a remote feedback system to monitor and enhance exercise performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ergonomic chairs with lumbar support are used, then comfort and spinal support are improved, but lumbar muscle strengthening is not achieved and back injury risk remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an ergonomic chair with exercise device features by integrating a seatback that can function both as a lumbar support and as a resistance mechanism for exercising lumbar extensor muscles. The chair merges seating functionality with therapeutic exercise capability, allowing users to strengthen lumbar muscles while maintaining comfort and spinal support.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback serves multiple functions: it provides lumbar support during normal seating, acts as a resistance mechanism for lumbar extension exercises, and can be adjusted to different positions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both comfort/support needs and muscle strengthening requirements.
2Ease of operation
If standard office chairs are used, then seating is provided, but proper resistance curve for lumbar extensor muscles is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable resistance mechanism where the resistance force changes as a function of seatback angle. The resistance is minimal at extreme flexion and extension positions and maximal at intermediate positions, creating a specific resistance curve that matches lumbar extensor muscle strength characteristics. This parameter change approach transforms a simple chair into a precision exercise device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing exercise chairs are used, then lumbar exercise capability is provided, but feedback system is lacking and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback system that includes a position sensor to detect seatback angle, a processor to determine exercise repetition status, and an output device to provide feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism monitors exercise performance in real-time and provides information to ensure proper form and prevent injury, addressing the safety concerns of existing exercise chairs.
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 strengthens lumbar muscles, reducing the risk of low back pain and injury by providing appropriate resistance and feedback, thus improving adherence and outcomes in seated workers.
Implementation Method 1
The coil assembly includes a plurality of coils that can be selectively engaged. Each coil provides a linear and ascending resistance curve when engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for both supporting an occupant as a task chair and exercising the lumbar extensors. The chair has two configurations. One configuration is as a task chair. A second configuration is as an exercise device in which the arm rests move to restrain the anterior pelvic region and the lumbar support becomes a posterior pelvic restraint. The seatback moves through a range of motion with a strength curve ratio of about 1.4:1 between flexion and extension. The chair has a resistance mechanism that includes a four-bar linkage connected to a selectable group of coil springs. The chair includes a range of motion monitor and detectors that communicate with a feedback system, which indicates if the occupant is performing the exercise correctly. The feedback system displays a screen showing the angular position of the seatback with a comparison of the ideal position for the exercise.