Forward-Leaning Seat Support for Dynamic Back Muscle Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged sitting in office work leads to poor posture, back pain, and muscle strain due to constant weight-bearing on buttocks and stooped upper body position, which existing office chairs fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A seat design with a forward-leaning body support that allows the upper body to rest on a support starting from the lower area, enabling mobility and training of back muscles, combined with optional training devices for leg and abdominal muscles, and integration with work surfaces or exercise equipment for continuous movement during work hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional office chair with backrest is used, then the upper body can be supported, but the back muscles remain inactive and back pain develops due to prolonged static sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The seat pan is designed to rock back and forth in a controlled manner, transforming the static sitting position into a dynamic movement. This rocking motion actively engages the back muscles, preventing them from becoming inactive while still providing upper body support through the backrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocking mechanism enables continuous movement of the back muscles throughout the working day, rather than allowing them to remain static. The continuous gentle motion maintains muscle engagement and blood circulation, preventing the development of back pain associated with prolonged static sitting.
2Ease of operation
If the body weight rests on the buttocks in a stooped position, then sitting is comfortable initially, but tension in back muscles develops leading to pain
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking seat pan prevents the body from settling into a fixed stooped position by continuously gently moving the seat back and forth. This dynamic motion maintains proper posture and prevents muscle tension from developing, while still allowing the body weight to be comfortably supported on the buttocks.
3Strength
If sports or fitness studio training is used to strengthen back muscles, then muscle strength improves, but this can only be done after work for limited time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the work function with the exercise function by incorporating the rocking mechanism directly into the office chair. This allows back muscle strengthening to occur simultaneously with work activities, eliminating the need for separate exercise time after work.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocking mechanism is designed to automatically engage during normal sitting and working activities, requiring no additional effort or time from the user. The chair itself provides the therapeutic movement, making the muscle-strengthening function self-service and integrated into the work routine.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat (1) comprising a support (3) in addition to a seat surface (2), which for example is tilted forward. The weight of the upper body (5) can lie substantially on the support (3). Said support begins in the lower area of the upper body (5). The upper body (5), which is stretched forward, already rests at the hip (6) and/or the abdomen. The low-lying rest makes the upper body (5) free to such an extent that high mobility results especially in the lower back area (8). The upper body (5) can move freely and perform all conceivable tasks. Relaxation of the back, back training, and better blood circulation through the entire body occur. The seat (1) can be combined with training devices or can even be a retrofit kit or part of a means of transportation, for example, a bicycle or the like.