Fiber Optic Posture Sensor for Footless Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing posture measuring devices are not suitable for seats without feet, as they rely on sensors under the feet to analyze body gravity center changes, resulting in low accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A posture measuring device using two fiber optic sensors arranged side by side or parallel, with a signal processing unit and power supply, capable of detecting micro-pressure changes through optical signals, and optionally including a grid stress element for enhanced sensitivity, allowing accurate posture analysis without the need for feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are fixed under the four feet of the seat to detect body gravity center changes, then a posture can be determined, but the measurement precision is low and it is not suitable for seats without feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure sensors with fiber optic sensors that use optical signals to detect pressure changes. This substitution enables high-precision posture detection without requiring mechanical contact points (feet), making the system applicable to various seat types including footless seats while maintaining high measurement precision through optical detection of micro-pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensor system is designed to be universally applicable across different seat configurations. By using optical fibers that can be embedded in the seat cushion material itself, the system achieves multi-functionality - it can detect posture on traditional seats with feet, seats without feet, cushions, and various other seating surfaces, eliminating the limitation of requiring specific seat structures
2Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors are used under seat feet, then posture can be analyzed, but the device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible fiber optic sensors that can be embedded within the seat cushion's thin film or fabric structure. These optical fibers are thin, flexible, and can be integrated into the cushion material without adding significant structural complexity. The sensors detect micro-pressure changes through optical signal variations when compressed, enabling high-precision posture detection while maintaining a simple, lightweight, and portable seat structure
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing complex mechanical pressure sensor assemblies with simple fiber optic strands, the system reduces device complexity. The fiber optic sensors require no mechanical linkages, complex mounting structures, or heavy components - just thin optical fibers embedded in the cushion that transmit optical signals to a processing unit, thereby achieving high measurement precision with minimal structural complexity and improved portability
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 device provides accurate posture detection with high sensitivity, enabling prompt correction of incorrect postures and wide application in various seating types, including seats without feet, with good design performance and portability.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber optic sensors detect changes in optical signals generated from changes in applied pressures on the sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A posture measuring device, an intelligent cushion and an intelligent seat are disclosed. The sitting posture measuring device comprises two fiber optic sensors; a signal processing unit electrically connected to the two fiber optic sensors respectively; and a power supply unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The sitting posture measuring device further comprises a prompting unit and/or a wireless communications unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The two fiber optic sensors are configured from left to right or from front to back. The fiber optic sensors detect changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors, and the signal processing unit analyzes a posture of a user on the basis of changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors.