Operator Chair Parallel Linkage for Sit-Stand Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operator chairs fail to seamlessly combine ergonomic position shifting between sitting and standing positions with multiple anthropometric adjustments, leading to impractical designs and cable wear due to excessive movement.

Innovation Solution

An operator chair with an adjustable seat module, first and second parallel arm linkages, and actuators that allow for smooth position changes while maintaining anthropometric settings, minimizing cable movement and bending through a synchronized actuation system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a linear lifting column is used to adjust chair height, then the chair can be raised to required heights, but the lifting arrangement becomes very large and unpractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechair heightVSAvoidlifting arrangement size

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting function is segmented into two independent parallel arm linkages instead of one large linear column. Each linkage handles a portion of the lifting task, allowing compact arrangement while achieving the required half-meter or more height adjustment through coordinated movement of both linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The parallel arm linkages are designed to nest within the chair structure when retracted, with the linkages folding into compact configurations that integrate with the chair's overall form factor, eliminating the need for external telescopic covers and large protective housings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If cables are routed through a linear lifting column, then actuation is achieved, but excessive movement and bending of cables lead to wear and reduced lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveactuationVSAvoidcable lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing is segmented into separate paths for each parallel arm linkage rather than one long cable traversing a single column. This segmentation reduces the travel distance and bending amplitude of each cable by half, as each cable only needs to accommodate the movement of its associated linkage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cable guides are introduced as intermediary components that constrain cable movement along optimized paths. These guides ensure cables follow smooth trajectories during linkage movement, preventing excessive bending and reducing wear while maintaining full actuation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the chair is designed for position shifting, then ergonomic benefits are achieved, but maintaining anthropometric settings across positions becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition shiftingVSAvoidanthropometric settings maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel arm linkages are designed to maintain constant vertical distance between key attachment points during movement, creating an equipotential lifting path. This geometric constraint ensures that anthropometric settings established in the sitting position are automatically maintained during transitions to standing and intermediate positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The chair incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that automatically adapt to the user's anatomy during position transitions. The parallel arm linkages dynamically maintain proper armrest and seat module positioning relative to the user's body, ensuring anthropometric settings are preserved without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables ergonomic position shifting and anthropometric adjustments for users of different sizes, maintaining settings across positions and reducing cable wear, resulting in a more practical and durable chair design.

Implementation Method 1

a first parallel arm linkage to which said adjustable seat module is connected, said first parallel arm linkage being rotatably connected to said connection portion and to said armrest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20170055713A1Operator Chair

Publication Date: 2017.03.02 NORSAP

AI summary

An operator chair comprises: a connection portion; a first parallel arm linkage to which an adjustable seat module is connected, the first parallel arm linkage being rotatably connected to the connection portion and to an armrest; a first actuator for driving the first parallel arm linkage between a first position and a second position, and thereby regulating a seat portion of the seat module between a first, substantially horizontal position corresponding to a sitting position of a user, and a second, at least partially vertical position corresponding to an at least partially standing position of the user, respectively; a second parallel arm linkage rotatably connected to the static fundament and to the connection portion; and a second actuator for driving the second parallel arm linkage so as to regulate at least the vertical position of the connection portion relative to the fundament.