Tunable haptic chair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic devices in chairs are limited by multiple vibrating units that cause inefficiencies in distributing vibrations uniformly and effectively, failing to provide a tunable and immersive experience.

Innovation Solution

A single haptic device mounted at the chair back or seat that generates vibrations with varying frequencies and amplitudes, utilizing a mechanical interface to differentially excite the seat and back portions based on programmed patterns, overcoming the limitations of multiple unit systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple vibrating units are used to distribute haptic output, then vibration coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of vibrating units

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple vibrating units into a single haptic device that generates vibrations which are then distributed throughout the chair structure. This single unit creates haptic feedback at multiple locations by utilizing the chair's mechanical structure as a vibration distribution medium, thereby reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive vibration coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single haptic device serves multiple functions by generating vibrations that propagate through different portions of the chair simultaneously. This universal approach allows one device to provide haptic feedback across the entire seating area, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized vibrating units positioned at different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single haptic device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but vibration distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of haptic unitsVSAvoidvibration distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves uniform vibration distribution by strategically positioning the single haptic device at a location where its vibrations naturally propagate evenly throughout the chair structure. The device is mounted to optimize local vibration generation that then distributes uniformly across different chair portions, compensating for the lack of multiple units through careful placement and structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple vibrating units are used, then vibration precision at specific locations is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration precision at specific locationsVSAvoidsystem control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vibration generation function from multiple distributed units and concentrates it in a single haptic device. This extracted approach simplifies control operations while maintaining precision by using the chair's structural mechanics to direct vibrations to specific locations, eliminating the need to control multiple independent units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides a tunable and immersive experience by differentially exciting chair regions, enhancing user perception of vibrations through varied amplitudes and frequencies, reducing the need for multiple units and improving vibration distribution.

Implementation Method 1

The haptic device operates to generate a vibration output (based on a programmed function or vibration profile or pattern) that imparts vibration or movement of the structure in a desired profile or pattern and at desired frequencies and amplitudes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

Responsive to the haptic device vibrating at a first frequency, a first region of the chair vibrates at a greater amplitude than a second region of the chair that is spaced from the first region. Responsive to the haptic device vibrating at a second frequency different than the first frequency, the second region of the chair vibrates at a greater amplitude than the first region of the chair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20250331647A1Tunable haptic chair

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 IRWIN SEATING CO

AI summary

A chair includes a seat portion and a back portion and a haptic device attached at one of the seat portion and the back portion. Responsive to receiving an electronic input, the haptic device vibrates to impart vibration at one or more of the seat portion and the back portion. Responsive to the haptic device vibrating at a first frequency, a first region of the chair vibrates at a greater amplitude than a second region of the chair that is spaced from the first region. Responsive to the haptic device vibrating at a second frequency different than the first frequency, the second region of the chair vibrates at a greater amplitude than the first region of the chair.