Resistive support mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistive support mechanisms for chairs lack adaptability, provide inadequate core support, and do not offer a full range of resistive support throughout tilt and rotational motions, often requiring users to lean excessively, which can lead to discomfort and musculoskeletal issues due to fixed pivot points below the user's center of mass.
Innovation Solution
A resistive motion support mechanism featuring a pivot ball, resistance cartridge with a resilient member, and adjustable components that allow for varying resistive forces and locking positions, enabling effective core muscle engagement and improved ergonomic positioning by allowing continuous movement and dynamic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed pivot point below the user's center of mass is used, then the chair provides stable support, but the user must lean excessively which leads to discomfort and musculoskeletal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed pivot point with a dynamic resistive support mechanism that includes a resilient member (spring or damper) positioned at or near the user's center of mass. This allows the support point to adapt dynamically to user movements and maintains proper posture by providing resistive force that encourages core muscle engagement without requiring excessive leaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable resistance parameters through the resilient member, allowing the resistive force to be modified based on user needs. This enables customization of the support characteristics to match different user body types and preferences, optimizing both stability and ergonomic benefits.
2Force
If prior art resistive support mechanisms are used, then some resistive support is provided, but they lack adaptability and do not offer full range of resistive support throughout tilt and rotational motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the resistive support mechanism with a universal pivot ball and resilient member configuration that can accommodate multiple degrees of freedom including tilt and rotation. The mechanism provides resistive support across the full range of motions while maintaining adaptability to different applications through adjustable resistance parameters and positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable chairs with multiple independent adjusting means are used, then individual fit is possible, but the mechanisms are complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated resistive support mechanism. Instead of separate adjusting means for different parameters, the resilient member system provides combined resistance control for tilt and rotation through a unified structure, simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability.
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 mechanism enhances user comfort and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues by providing adaptable resistive support that improves core strength, mobilizes joints, and promotes better posture through adjustable resistance and locking features, allowing for a range of motion that optimizes ergonomic positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member in contact relation with the pivot ball and with a wall of the housing such that the resilient member is compressed by the relative movement between the resistance cartridge and the pivot ball to thereby provide the resistive support to the mounting surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A motion support mechanism, for example for a chair, joined to a mounting surface and to a base for providing resistive support to the mounting surface as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement relative to the base. The motion support mechanism includes a support bearing connected to the mounting surface and to the base which permits one or both of tilting and rotational motion of the mounting surface relative to the base, a pivot ball sized fixedly attached to a portion of the base, and, a resistance cartridge fixedly connected to the mounting surface such that the resistance cartridge undergoes movement relative to the base and applies a resistive force on the base as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement. The resistance cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a resilient member in contact relation with the pivot ball and with a wall of the housing such that the resilient member is compressed by the relative movement between the resistance cartridge and the pivot ball to thereby provide the resistive support to the mounting surface. Preferably, the resistive support also provides a dampening feature, for example by way of the resilient member being formed from a viscoelastic material. A means for varying the resistance applied is provided that permits the distance between the bearing surface and the pivot ball to be varied.