Rocking Relaxation Chair Control for Relax-to-Refresh Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relaxation devices primarily focus on inducing relaxation but fail to effectively transition users from a relaxed state to an awake state, lacking a refreshing effect.

Innovation Solution

A relaxation device with a body supporting means, rocking driving means, and control means that initiates relaxation rocking at frequencies ≤1 Hz, then shifts to refreshment rocking by increasing frequency and/or amplitude, along with adjustable backrest incline and airbag inflation/deflation to stimulate users from a relaxed to an awake state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relaxation rocking is performed at low frequency (≤1 Hz) with fluctuation, then the user enters a relaxed state, but the user remains in a relaxed state without transitioning to an awake state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelaxation effectVSAvoidstate transition capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the rocking parameters from static low-frequency fluctuation mode to dynamic high-frequency high-amplitude mode. The control unit dynamically adjusts frequency and amplitude based on the desired state (relaxation vs. refreshment), enabling the system to adapt its behavior rather than remaining fixed in one operational mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key rocking parameters (frequency and amplitude) to achieve different physiological effects. During relaxation rocking, frequency is kept ≤1 Hz with fluctuation; during refreshment rocking, frequency increases to >1 Hz and amplitude increases, thereby transitioning the user from relaxed to awake state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If refreshment rocking increases both frequency and amplitude, then the refreshing effect is enhanced, but sudden blood pressure changes may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefreshing effectVSAvoidblood pressure fluctuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first performing relaxation rocking to establish a baseline relaxed state before transitioning to refreshment rocking. This preparatory phase ensures the user's physiological system is stabilized, reducing the risk of sudden blood pressure changes when high-frequency high-amplitude rocking begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the fluctuation of rocking parameters during relaxation mode and the rhythmic alternation between relaxation and refreshment modes. This periodic variation prevents abrupt physiological shocks by distributing the stimulus over time rather than applying it continuously at high intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If rocking frequency and amplitude are increased for refreshment, then user alertness improves, but operational noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser alertnessVSAvoidoperational noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable frequency and amplitude control based on operational mode. During relaxation mode, low frequency (≤1 Hz) minimizes noise; during refreshment mode, frequency increases (>1 Hz) to improve alertness. The system dynamically switches between these regimes rather than operating at constant high settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through intermittent refreshment rocking sessions separated by relaxation periods. This periodic structure allows noise generation to be confined to specific time windows rather than continuous operation, reducing overall noise exposure while still achieving alertness enhancement when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2266438B1Relaxation device
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2266438B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2266438B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2266438B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a relaxation device (10) comprised of a controller (24) provided on the top surface of the bottom part (11a) of a base (11). The controller (24) controls a vibration drive device (12), executes the relaxation vibrations, and performs refresh vibrations which increase in synchronization with both the frequency and the amplitude of the vibrations of a body support member (13) after the relaxation vibrations stop. The user is relaxed and then refreshed when the vibration drive device (12) executes the sequence of relaxation vibrations followed by refresh vibrations.