Posture Adjusting Device with Sensor-Driven Surface Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing device for adjusting a user's posture on chairs or similar furniture with support members like backrests, which could improve comfort and reduce fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A posture adjusting device with a support member, embedded sensors, and a drive unit that changes the pressure receiving surface's uneven state based on user input, using sensors to identify and adjust the posture adjusting members to alter the surface's shape in response to user pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a chair with a simple support member is used, then the device complexity is low, but the posture adjusting function is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple posture adjusting members that can independently change their shape or position. Each posture adjusting member is controlled by a separate drive unit, allowing localized adjustment of the pressure receiving surface to accommodate different body positions and postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The posture adjusting members are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The drive units enable real-time changes in the shape or position of posture adjusting members based on sensor feedback, transforming a static support member into a dynamic system that adapts to user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple posture adjusting members with drive units are added, then the posture adjusting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive units are integrated into a unified control system managed by a single control unit. The control unit receives signals from sensors and coordinates all posture adjusting members through one centralized controller, reducing control complexity despite having multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect the user's body position and pressure distribution, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust posture adjusting members without requiring complex manual control interfaces, simplifying operation while maintaining high adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect press force, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors serve multiple functions: detecting press force magnitude, identifying which posture adjusting member is being pressed, and providing feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing measurement precision.
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 effectively adjusts the user's posture by changing the pressure receiving surface's shape, reducing fatigue and improving comfort by dynamically responding to user pressure, enhancing the user experience on seating surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to output, when a given posture adjusting member is pressed by the body via the pressure receiving surface, a resistance value that constantly varies in accordance with a magnitude of a press force that is transferred via the given posture adjusting member
Data Source
AI summary
A posture adjusting device includes a support member with a pressure receiving surface to be pressed by a body of a user, multiple posture adjusting members each configured to change an uneven state of the pressure receiving surface, a sensor configured to output, when a given posture adjusting member is pressed by the body via the pressure receiving surface, a resistance value that constantly varies in accordance with a magnitude of a press force that is transferred via the given posture adjusting member, a drive unit configured to independently drive each of the multiple posture adjusting members, and a control unit configured to identify the pressed posture adjusting member based on the output of the sensor, and to control the drive unit to cause the pressed posture adjusting member to be moved or deformed to thereby cause the uneven state of the pressure receiving surface to change.