Ergonomically designed seating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating systems for prolonged upright sitting are complex, expensive, and not adaptable to various seating chassis, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity due to lack of ergonomic support and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomically designed seating apparatus with a seat and back support that can pivot and adjust, featuring resilient members and telescoping components, allowing for independent movement and redistribution of body weight, adaptable to different seating chassis like wheelchairs and airline seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ergonomic seating systems are implemented, then postural support and comfort are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a seat support with pelvic tilt mechanism, a backrest with lumbar support, and independent resilient members. Each component performs a specific ergonomic function, allowing the complex ergonomic support to be achieved through simple, modular parts rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat support and backrest incorporate pivotal connections that allow dynamic movement and adjustment. The seat support pivots about a transverse horizontal axis to provide pelvic tilt, while the backrest pivots about a second transverse horizontal axis to accommodate spinal movement. This dynamic capability enables postural support without requiring complex active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If existing ergonomic seating systems are implemented, then postural support is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seating apparatus uses simple, segmented components including separate seat frames, backrests, and resilient members that can be manufactured independently using conventional processes. This modular segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated ergonomic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs simple resilient members and basic pivotal connections that can be manufactured at low cost. These components are designed to be simple and straightforward, avoiding expensive materials or complex fabrication processes while still providing effective ergonomic support.
3Ease of operation
If existing ergonomic seating systems are implemented, then comfort is improved, but adaptability to various seating chassis decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seating apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed on various seating chassis including wheelchairs, aircraft seats, and automotive seats. The seat frame and backrest can be secured to different chassis types through standard mounting mechanisms, making the ergonomic solution broadly applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections allow the seating apparatus to adapt to different usage conditions and chassis configurations. The seat support and backrest can pivot independently, providing comfort across various seating applications while maintaining structural compatibility with different chassis types.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed seating structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but pelvic and spinal movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The seat support is connected to the seat frame through a pivotal connection about a transverse horizontal axis, allowing the seat support to tilt and accommodate natural pelvic movement while maintaining structural stability. Similarly, the backrest pivots about a second transverse horizontal axis to allow spinal movement while preserving overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Resilient members are positioned between the seat frame and seat support, and between the backrest and lumbar support, to mediate the interaction between fixed structural elements and moving body parts. These resilient members provide mechanical compliance that enables pelvic and spinal movement while maintaining structural stability.
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
Provides postural support and comfort by allowing pelvic and spinal column movement, reducing discomfort and improving productivity through adjustable and cost-effective design for various seating applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first resilient member positioned between the seat frame and the seat support permitting resilient relative pivotal tilting between the seat frame and the seat support
Implementation Method 2
at least one second resilient member positioned along surfaces of the lumbar support and the back support permitting resilient relative pivotal tilting between the lumbar support and the back support
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomically designed seating apparatus having a seat and a backrest. The seat having a seat frame securable to a chassis, a seat support pivotally connected to the seat frame, and at least one first resilient member positioned between the seat frame and the seat support permitting resilient relative pivotal tilting between them. The backrest having a back frame securable to the chassis, a lumbar support connected to the back frame, a back support pivotally connected to the lumbar support, at least one second resilient member positioned along surfaces of the lumbar support and the back support permitting resilient relative pivotal tilting between them, at least one pivot arm connected to the back support configured to limit the pivotal range of motion of the back support, and at least one pivot block connected to the lumbar support configured to interact with the at least one pivot arm.