Ergonomic Haptic Support Structure for Posture and Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic feedback systems for computer-assisted activities are limited in providing ergonomic support and sensory feedback to users, failing to alleviate muscular strain and promote healthy posture, especially for areas like the torso, forearms, and thighs, during prolonged interactive sessions.
Innovation Solution
A resilient ergonomic support apparatus with actuators that deliver synchronized tactile feedback to the torso, forearms, and thighs, combined with a contoured design for hand and forearm support, to enhance user comfort and posture during computer-assisted activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is provided through hand-held controllers and seating surfaces, then tactile feedback is delivered to the user, but the portions of the user's body affected remain limited and localized feedback to areas like forearms, thighs, and torso is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ergonomic support apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides ergonomic support for hands, forearms, and torso while simultaneously serving as a haptic feedback delivery system. The apparatus includes multiple actuators positioned to contact different body areas (hand rest, forearm support, torso support) allowing one device to affect multiple portions of the user's body, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ergonomic support structure with haptic feedback actuators into an integrated system. The actuators are embedded within the ergonomic support apparatus components (hand rest, forearm support, torso support), merging the support function and sensory feedback function into a unified device that addresses both ergonomic needs and haptic feedback requirements simultaneously
2Productivity
If users maintain static body posture and isometric limb positions for extended periods to handle interface devices, then continuous interaction with the virtual environment is enabled, but muscle strain and undue fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ergonomic support apparatus incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to user needs. The apparatus includes adjustable positioning mechanisms and malleable support surfaces that can be reconfigured during use, enabling users to maintain proper ergonomic positioning over extended periods without rigid, fixed structures that contribute to fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates haptic feedback actuators that provide sensory feedback to the user during interaction. This feedback mechanism helps users maintain proper posture and positioning by providing tactile cues, thereby reducing muscle strain and fatigue while enabling continuous interaction with the virtual environment
3Adaptability or versatility
If users are mentally immersed in computer interaction, then engagement with the virtual environment is enhanced, but conscious care over ergonomic positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ergonomic support apparatus is designed to automatically provide ergonomic support without requiring active user management. The apparatus includes self-adjusting components and is positioned to naturally guide users into proper ergonomic postures, thereby maintaining ergonomic positioning even when users are fully immersed in computer interaction and cannot consciously monitor their posture
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 apparatus effectively reduces muscular strain, promotes healthy posture, and enhances the interactive experience by providing comprehensive haptic feedback to multiple body areas, improving user comfort and engagement during extended computer interactions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator disposed on the resilient body is selectively driven in cooperation with the interactive session to generate tactile feedback to the user through at least one of the upper and inner side surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a resilient body defining a mid portion extending laterally between a pair of side portions projecting transversely outward therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for combined ergonomic support and situational sensory augmentation interface during an interactive session within a virtual environment generated by a computer system. The apparatus comprises a resilient body defining a mid portion extending laterally between a pair of side portions projecting transversely outward therefrom to terminate at respective free ends. The mid portion extends across a lap of a user. The mid and side portions collectively define an upper surface for hand and forearm support for the user and an inner side surface contoured about a cradle space for receiving a torso of the user in cradling manner. At least one actuator disposed on the resilient body is selectively driven in cooperation with the interactive session to generate tactile feedback to the user through at least one of the upper and inner side surfaces of the resilient body.