Adjustable Pole Chair for Ground-Level Back and Knee Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stools and chairs are inadequate for tasks at or near ground level, failing to provide both lower body support and upper body assistance, which can lead to strain on the back and knees.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose pole chair system with an adjustable elongated member, a detachable seat and base plate, and various attachments for enhanced functionality, allowing for both sitting and chest support, with components that can be easily stored and transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stools and chairs are used, then upper body support is provided, but they cannot assist with tasks at or near ground level
Solution Approach 1:
The pole chair is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as a traditional chair for upper body support, as a kneeling stool for ground-level tasks, and as a chest support device. The adjustable pole mechanism allows the seat to be positioned at different heights and angles, enabling the same device to serve various work positions and task types.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair consists of separable components including an adjustable pole, a seat, and a base plate that can be independently positioned. The pole can be adjusted to different lengths and angles, and the base plate can be positioned at various orientations, allowing the device to be segmented and reconfigured for different working conditions.
2Ease of operation
If stools are designed for ground-level tasks, then lower body support is provided, but upper body support is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The pole chair provides both lower body support through the base plate and knee positioning, and upper body support through the adjustable seat that can be positioned at chest or waist level. This dual support capability allows users to maintain proper ergonomics whether working from a sitting position or kneeling position.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable pole mechanism allows dynamic repositioning of the seat to match different work heights and user positions. The pole can be extended or retracted and angled to provide optimal support whether the user is sitting on the ground, kneeling, or working at elevated positions.
3Strength
If traditional chairs are used for upper body support, then back support is provided, but knee strain occurs during ground-level work
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the user bend forward from an upright seated position to reach ground level, the pole chair inverts the support geometry by providing a base plate for knee placement and positioning the seat to support the upper body while the legs are bent at the knees. This reverses the traditional chair configuration to eliminate back strain while working at ground level.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to provide dual functionality, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism is segmented into discrete, independently controllable components: the pole with its adjustment features, the base plate with positioning capabilities, and the seat. Each component can be adjusted or repositioned separately, simplifying the overall complexity compared to a fully integrated adjustable mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-purpose pole chair and torso support apparatus including a seat portion, a rectangular base plate having four feet, and an elongated pole extending from the seat portion having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end. The seat portion is connected to the proximal end of the pole, while the rectangular base plate is connected to the distal end of the pole. Both the seat portion and the rectangular base plate are connected to the pole via a quick release fastener system.