Thoracic region comfort seating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seatback designs primarily focus on lumbar support, failing to adequately address upper back discomfort and fatigue in the thoracic region, especially for individuals engaged in computer work who experience increased upper back discomfort and decreased lower back discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A thoracic region comfort support system featuring a harder center portion and softer side portions, utilizing different density and hardness foams, with a pneumatic actuator to adjust pressure and position, providing targeted support between the T1 to T12 vertebrae and L3 vertebrae, and accommodating various anthropometric ranges through adjustable design and ergonomic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lumbar support is provided in vehicle seatbacks, then lower back comfort is improved, but upper back discomfort increases for computer workers
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into multiple functional zones: a lumbar support region for lower back comfort and a thoracic support structure with harder center portion and softer side portions for upper back support. This segmentation allows each region to address specific comfort needs independently, resolving the contradiction between lumbar support benefits and thoracic discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic support structure employs varying material densities and hardness levels at different locations - harder foam in the center portion for spinal support and softer foam in side portions for comfort. This local quality variation enables the seatback to provide targeted support where needed while maintaining overall comfort.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform density foam is used in seatback, then manufacturing is simplified, but anatomical support requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The foam is manufactured with non-uniform density distribution, creating harder center portions and softer side portions within the thoracic support structure. This local quality variation in material properties enables anatomical support for the thoracic spine while still using conventional foam manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback utilizes composite foam structures with different density regions integrated into a single component. This allows the thoracic support to provide both spinal alignment (harder center) and comfort (softer sides) simultaneously, meeting anatomical requirements without requiring multiple separate parts.
3Device complexity
If fixed position thoracic support is provided, then structure is simplified, but adaptability to different anthropometric ranges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thoracic support structure incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the support position and firmness to be dynamically modified. This enables the fixed structure to adapt to different user anthropometrics and preferences, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and 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
Reduces fatigue and discomfort in the upper body by effectively supporting the thoracic region, enhancing biomechanical efficiency and subjective comfort by distributing pressure smoothly and evenly across a range of users, while allowing for adjustable pressure and positioning to suit different occupant sizes and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic actuator to adjust pressure and position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing different density and hardness foams
Data Source
AI summary
A thoracic support for a seat back of a seat is provided. The thoracic support structure is pivotally attached to the seat back and pivots between a first position and a second position. In the second position the support structure supports at least a portion of the thoracic region of the user's spine. An actuator disposed between a support surface and the support structure pivots the support structure from the first position to the second position upon actuation.