Lift chair control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power operated lift chairs face challenges in transitioning from a resting to a standing position, as they either operate too slowly, causing discomfort and frustration, or too quickly, potentially startling the occupant, while also risking harm if not safely managed.
Innovation Solution
A lift chair system that transitions from a resting to a standing position using a controller circuit to adjust speed based on electrical signals, with a gradual increase in speed from a first voltage to a second, higher voltage, allowing for safe and comfortable movement, and includes an actuator and structural assembly to facilitate this transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lift chair operates at a slow lifting speed to ensure safety and comfort, then the occupant is protected from startling and harm, but the transition time is prolonged and the occupant is forced into a compromised standing position for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the lift chair from a static single-speed operation to a dynamic variable-speed operation. The controller circuit dynamically adjusts the lifting speed during the transition, starting slow and accelerating to a faster speed, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety (slow speed) and time efficiency (fast speed).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter during the lifting transition. The controller circuit modifies the voltage signal to the actuator, causing the lift chair to operate at different speeds at different times during the transition process, thus optimizing both safety and transition time.
2Loss of time
If the lift chair operates at a fast transition speed to reduce transition time, then the occupant can quickly reach the standing position, but the occupant may be startled and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first moving the lift chair slowly to initiate the transition, allowing the occupant to mentally prepare and adjust to the movement. After this preliminary slow phase, the system accelerates to a faster speed, thus avoiding the startling effect while maintaining time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuit dynamically adjusts the speed profile during the transition, creating a two-phase movement pattern that eliminates the harmful startling effect while maintaining overall fast transition time.
3Device complexity
If the lift chair uses a single-speed operation to simplify the control system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different occupancy needs and situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adjusts the lifting speed based on real-time conditions. The controller circuit monitors the transition process and modifies the voltage signal accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to different occupancy needs while maintaining reasonable complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the lift chair's position and speed, automatically adjusting the voltage signal to the actuator to maintain the optimal two-phase speed profile, thus providing adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention.
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 system balances safety and comfort by allowing for a gradual increase in transition speed, reducing prolonged compromised positions and enhancing user experience by transitioning quickly without startling the occupant, while ensuring safety and prolonging battery life.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the lift that i) receives one or more electrical signals from the controller circuit and ii) causes lift to transition the lift chair from the resting position to the standing position at variable speeds that are proportional to the voltages of the one or more electrical signals received from the controller circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A lift chair comprising: a lift that transitions the lift chair between a resting position and a standing position; a user interface that receives one or more user inputs indicating a request to transition the lift chair between the resting position and the standing position; a controller circuit communicatively coupled to the lift and to the user interface, the controller circuit configured to cause the lift to transition the lift chair from the resting position to the standing position, in response to a single user input, at a first speed over a first time period followed by a second speed over a second time period, the first speed being slower than the second speed.