Ergonomic seating system, tilt-lock control and remote powering method and apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered furniture, such as ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks, face challenges in providing efficient and convenient power solutions, leading to underutilization due to impractical battery maintenance, entanglement of power cords, inadequate power generation from user movement, and alignment requirements for wireless charging systems, which hinder the continuous operation of electric features.
Innovation Solution
A powered seating system with integrated wireless charging capabilities, using induction technology and a floor mat with registration lines to ensure accurate alignment, allowing for efficient and convenient charging without compromising chair mobility, combined with a control system that encourages users to change positions regularly to alleviate spinal pressure and promote health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented with induction technology, then power supply convenience is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A floor mat with registration lines is introduced as an intermediary element between the charging system and the user. The mat provides visual guidance and positioning markers that help users align the chair correctly with the wireless charging field, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems (such as physical guides or adjustable mechanisms) with a visual registration system printed on the floor mat. This substitution maintains alignment precision while significantly improving ease of operation and reducing mechanical complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If powered features are added to enhance chair functionality, then user comfort and health benefits are improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system is designed to universally power multiple different features and components of the ergonomic chair through a single charging interface. This multi-functional approach allows various powered features (adjustments, heating, massaging, etc.) to share the same power source and control system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate power systems for each feature
Solution Approach 2:
The chair's powered features are designed to operate autonomously based on predefined schedules and sensors, automatically adjusting positions, providing reminders, and managing power consumption without requiring complex user intervention or manual control systems
3Productivity
If automatic position adjustment is implemented to promote health, then user health benefits are improved, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair implements periodic automatic position adjustments based on time-based schedules and sensor-triggered events. Rather than continuous complex control, the system uses periodic reminders and scheduled position changes that simplify the control logic while effectively delivering health benefits through regular posture variations
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses simple sensor feedback to detect user presence, chair position, and usage patterns, automatically adjusting operations based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent automatic adjustments without requiring complex control algorithms, as the system responds to straightforward sensor inputs with predefined actions
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 solution ensures continuous power supply to the chair's features while promoting regular position changes, reducing user fatigue and back pain by automatically adjusting the chair's components and reminding users to adopt healthier postures, thereby enhancing user experience and health benefits.
Implementation Method 1
A powered seating system with integrated wireless charging capabilities, using induction technology
Data Source
AI summary
A work environment adjustment system includes multiple instances of controllable office equipment located within an office space, each instance associated with a specific office location and including an activator for controlling states of the instance, at least one presence sensor for detecting user presence within each space associated with each instance, and a master controller linked to each office equipment activator to control activation of each activator to control a current state of each instance. The master controller is programmed to perform the steps of receiving sensor signals from the at least a first presence sensor, determining user presence at each space associated with each instance, controlling states at each of the instances independent of user input when the space associated with the instance is vacant, and enabling user control of the state of each instance associated with a space that is occupied by a user.