Therapy stool having an adjustable height and a tiltable seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapy stools lack the ability to provide a height-adjustable, tiltable, and stable seating surface, which is essential for therapy and core training, as they are either unstable or prone to falling over.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable therapy stool with a ball and socket mechanism, allowing for adjustable height and tilt, and a stability adjustment mechanism to ensure stability, featuring a base with internally threaded bore and a central tubular member with external threads for secure attachment and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball is used for therapy seating, then a range of movement is provided, but the seat lacks height adjustability and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The stool is divided into distinct functional components: a stable base structure, a height-adjustable mechanism, and a ball-and-socket joint for controlled tilting. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the base provides stability, the height mechanism enables adaptability, and the ball-and-socket joint provides controlled range of motion without compromising overall stability
Solution Approach 2:
The stool incorporates dynamic elements including a height-adjustable mechanism that allows vertical positioning changes, and a ball-and-socket joint that enables controlled tilting motion. These dynamic features provide adaptability and range of movement while the fixed base and threaded connection points maintain structural stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a T-stool is used for therapy, then a flat sitting surface and height adjustability are provided, but the stool is unstable and prone to falling over
Solution Approach 1:
The stool features a height-adjustable mechanism with threaded rods and locking components that enable vertical positioning changes while maintaining structural integrity. The dynamic adjustment capability is coupled with a stable base structure that prevents tipping, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The stool structure is segmented into a stable base, adjustable height mechanism, and tilting seat assembly. This segmentation isolates the height adjustment function from the stability function, allowing the base to provide rock-solid support while the upper components offer adjustability without compromising overall stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and socket mechanism is added for tilt adjustment, then range of motion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-and-socket joint uses spherical geometry to provide multi-directional tilting capability. The spherical ball fits into a socket, naturally allowing rotation and tilting in multiple directions without requiring complex mechanical linkages or actuators. This geometric solution provides extensive range of motion with minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket mechanism provides passive dynamic movement, allowing the seat to tilt freely within its mechanical constraints without requiring active control systems. This dynamic capability enables range of motion while keeping the mechanism simple and maintenance-free
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 stool provides a range of motion, a flat sitting surface, and adjustable stability, ensuring user safety and comfort by allowing customizable height and tilt adjustments between 10 to 20 inches and up to 20 degrees of tiltability.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular member has at least one threaded external region. The height adjustment ring member is configured to be attached to a region of the tubular member that is not threaded. Rotation of the height adjustment ring member adjusts the height of the seat.
Implementation Method 2
The ball is part of a ball and socket mechanism. The ball and socket mechanism enables the seat to be tiltable by a maximum degree of tiltability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stool comprises a height-adjustable seat. The seat is coupled to a stem of the stool using a ball and socket mechanism. The ball and socket mechanism enables the seat to be tiltable up to 20 degrees in all directions about a vertical axis. The ball and socket mechanism aids in providing the seated individual with an increased range of motion. The range of tiltable motion can be adjusted using an adjustment member.