Forward-Inclining Seatback Control to Limit Operator Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat apparatuses apply excessive load to operators when the seatback inclines forward, particularly when used as a table, due to the seatback coming into a horizontal state and overlapping with the seat cushion.
Innovation Solution
A seat apparatus with a seatback that can be inclined forward and rearward, featuring a seatback drive device, an operating switch accessible to the operator, and an excessive load restricting device that limits the forward inclination to prevent excessive load application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seatback is allowed to incline forward freely to create a table function, then the versatility of the seat apparatus is improved, but the operator may be subjected to excessive load from the seatback pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the inclination angle parameter of the seatback. An excessive load restricting device is introduced to limit the forward inclination angle of the seatback, preventing it from reaching angles that would cause excessive pressure on the operator while still allowing sufficient forward inclination to serve as a table surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control unit that monitors the seatback inclination angle and provides feedback control. When the seatback inclination exceeds the predetermined safe angle, the control unit activates the excessive load restricting device to prevent further forward inclination, thereby preventing excessive load on the operator while maintaining table functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seatback inclines forward to overlap with the seat cushion for table use, then the functional versatility is improved, but the pressure on the seated operator increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the seatback inclination by introducing a restricting device that prevents the seatback from inclining beyond a predetermined angle. This ensures the seatback can incline forward enough to function as a table while maintaining sufficient angle to avoid excessive pressure on the operator's back.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-setting the excessive load restricting device to counteract the forward inclination motion before excessive pressure can develop. The control unit continuously monitors the inclination angle and activates the restricting mechanism in advance to prevent the harmful condition of excessive operator pressure.
3Reliability
If the seatback is restricted from forward inclination to prevent excessive load, then the operator safety is improved, but the table function capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter of seatback inclination angle by setting a predetermined threshold that balances safety and functionality. The excessive load restricting device is calibrated to allow forward inclination up to this threshold angle, which is sufficient for table use while preventing excessive load on the operator, thus maintaining both safety and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains multi-functionality by ensuring the seatback can incline forward within the restricted range to serve as a table surface. The control unit and restricting device are designed to allow normal table功能的 use while only preventing extreme inclination angles that would compromise operator safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat apparatus includes a seat cushion on which an operator is seated, a seatback supporting the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback being configured to incline forward to reduce an angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion and to incline rearward to increase the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion, a seatback drive device inclining the seatback forward and rearward relative to the seat cushion, a seatback operating switch provided at a position where is reached by the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback operating switch operating the seatback driving device in response to an operation of the switch, and an excessive load restricting device restricting an excessive load applied to the operator seated on the seat cushion by limiting a forward inclination of the seatback when the seatback operating switch is operated so as to incline the seatback forward.