Support mechanism and support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support mechanisms for users in an upright position, such as the sleeping housing disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-99444, fail to accommodate users with varying leg lengths due to a fixed relative distance between support members, leading to inadequate support for individuals with different leg lengths.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism comprising multiple adjustable support members, including a first support member for knees, a second support member for buttocks, a third support member for upper limbs and head, and a fourth support member for soles, with a moving mechanism and sensors to adjust positions based on user-specific measurements to ensure optimal support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the relative distance between support members is fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate users with different leg lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support members movable rather than fixed. Specifically, the first support member (knee support) and fourth support member (foot support) are equipped with driving mechanisms that allow them to move along guide rails in the vertical direction. This enables the relative distance between support members to be dynamically adjusted according to different user leg lengths, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability to different users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and moving mechanisms are added to adjust support positions, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the support mechanism to automatically adjust its configuration based on sensor feedback. The load sensors detect the user's weight distribution, and the control unit processes this information to automatically drive the support members to appropriate positions. This automated self-adjustment reduces the need for manual intervention and complex control interfaces, making the system more user-friendly despite the added complexity of sensors and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using load sensors to continuously monitor the forces applied to each support member. The control unit receives this sensor data and adjusts the position of support members accordingly to optimize comfort and support distribution. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to individual user characteristics while maintaining proper ergonomic alignment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support members are fixed in position, then the manufacturing and installation are simple, but the load distribution cannot be optimized for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support mechanism into independent, modular support members (first support member for knees, second for buttocks, third for upper body, and fourth for feet). Each support member can be independently adjusted along guide rails, allowing flexible positioning to optimize load distribution for different users. This modular segmented design maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while enabling customized adaptation to individual user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A support mechanism supports a user taking a nap or resting in an upright position. The first support member supports the human body from below by contacting the knee and lower leg; the second support member supports the human body from below by contacting one of buttocks and upper legs; the third support member that contacts one of upper limbs and head of the human body and supports the human body from at least one of the front and rear directions; the fourth support member supports the human body from below by contacting the sole so that the human body's foot is in an inclined posture with respect to the up and down directions; and a moving mechanism moves one or two of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member relative to the other one in the up and down directions.