Fatigue reducing seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive seats cause fatigue during long periods of sitting due to intense load on ischial bones and inadequate support, leading to poor blood circulation and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A seat design featuring deformable second support members with a restraining mechanism that tilts inward when occupied, distributing pressure more evenly across the buttocks and femoral regions, reducing pressure on ischial bones and preventing fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If springs are arranged evenly in the cushion frame to support the seated occupant, then the seat structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ischial bones are supported intensively with large load causing fatigue and poor blood circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring arrangement simplicityVSAvoidfatigue and poor blood circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is divided into multiple support regions with different functions: first support members (springs) for general support, and second support members (cushion portions) for distributing load on the buttocks and femoral regions. This segmentation allows intensive support where needed while distributing load elsewhere to prevent fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the seat have different support characteristics: the first support members provide elastic support through springs, while the second support members provide softer cushioning. The restraining portion creates local structural reinforcement to control deformation patterns and achieve balanced pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a pan frame is used to support the load of the seated occupant, then the seat structure is stable and strong, but the seat feels hard and uncomfortable making the occupant conscious of riding on a stiff bottom

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload support capabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort and stiffness perception

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second support members are configured as deformable cushion portions that can flex and conform to the occupant's body shape. This flexibility provides comfort while the underlying cushion frame maintains structural strength for load support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The second support members are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt dynamically to the occupant's position and weight. The restraining portion controls this deformation to achieve the desired balance between comfort and support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second support members are made deformable to improve comfort, then the seat adapts to occupant physique, but the support surface may sink down excessively causing inadequate support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to occupant physiqueVSAvoidsupport adequacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining portion is pre-configured to limit the deformation of second support members before excessive sinking occurs. This preliminary constraint ensures that the support members deform enough to adapt to the occupant but not so much that support becomes inadequate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining portion modifies the deformation parameters of the second support members by controlling their displacement and orientation. This changes the mechanical behavior from uncontrolled sinking to controlled deformation that maintains support while providing comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 seat design provides increased comfort and reduced fatigue by distributing pressure evenly, preventing poor blood circulation and accommodating various occupant physiques through adjustable support surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

second support members disposed at left and right sides of the first support member, the second support members being configured to be deformable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11046222B2Fatigue reducing seat

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 TS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a seat which offers increased ride comfort and less fatigue felt even on long-time sitting. The seat includes a cushion frame, a first support member supported by the cushion frame and configured to support a seated occupant, second support members disposed at left and right sides of the first support member and configured to be deformable, and a restraining portion by which each second support member is restrained in such a manner that its laterally outer side is less likely to sink down than its laterally center side. The seat is configured such that an upper-side support surface for supporting a seated occupant is so restrained by the restraining portion as to assume a first position when no occupant is seated, and to assume a second position when an occupant is seated, the support surface facing further inward in the second position than in the first position.