Wearable Lumbar Support for Sensor-Based Sitting Posture Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective solutions for evaluating and correcting abnormal sitting postures, which can lead to discomfort and potential health issues, particularly for individuals with joint malfunctions or mobility challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus equipped with a driving module, angle sensors, a lumbar support module, and an IMU sensor, which determines abnormal sitting postures and provides corrective external forces through torque generation to adjust the user's posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable apparatus provides continuous external force to correct sitting posture, then posture correction effectiveness is improved, but user comfort and wearability deteriorate due to constant mechanical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The driving module operates periodically rather than continuously, generating torque only when abnormal sitting posture is detected through sensor feedback. This periodic activation provides necessary posture correction while minimizing constant mechanical intervention, thereby maintaining user comfort during normal wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates sensors (angle sensor, IMU sensor) that continuously monitor sitting posture and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently activates the driving module only when correction is needed, achieving reliable posture correction while avoiding unnecessary mechanical force that would reduce user comfort.
2Measurement precision
If the wearable apparatus includes multiple sensors and actuators for accurate posture evaluation and correction, then measurement precision and correction accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into functionally independent modules: sensing module (angle sensor, IMU sensor), control unit, and driving module with lumbar support. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with optimized complexity, achieving high measurement precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support module serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a torque transmission mechanism for posture correction, and a feedback actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining correction accuracy.
3Reliability
If the lumbar support module provides rotational motion to correct posture, then posture alignment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of user discomfort or injury increases due to external force application
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus applies corrective torque in advance to prevent the development of harmful postural deviations. By detecting early signs of abnormal posture through sensors and immediately applying counteracting torque through the lumbar support module, the system prevents posture-related discomfort and potential injury before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving module dynamically adjusts the magnitude and duration of torque based on the degree of postural deviation detected by sensors. This parameter adjustment ensures that corrective force is proportional to the abnormality, achieving effective posture alignment while minimizing excessive force that could cause user discomfort or injury.
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 wearable apparatus effectively identifies and corrects abnormal sitting postures, enhancing user comfort and promoting healthier sitting habits by providing targeted external forces to align the spine and improve lower back muscle strength.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensor configured to sense an angle of the first frame and obtain a first frame angle value
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to obtain a first rotation angle value of the lumbar support module
Implementation Method 3
a driving module comprising a motor and/or circuitry configured to generate a torque
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wearable device. A wearable device may include a driving module, a first frame corresponding to a portion of a lower body of a user, an angle sensor configured to sense an angle of the first frame and obtain a first frame angle value, a lumbar support module connected to the driving module and positioned on a lower back area of the user, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, and a processor(s). The processor(s) may be configured to obtain the first frame angle value using the angle sensor, obtain a first rotation angle value of the lumbar support module using the IMU sensor, determine whether a sitting posture of the user is an abnormal sitting posture based on the first rotation angle value and the first frame angle value, and control the driving module such that the driving module generates a first torque when determining that the sitting posture is the abnormal sitting posture.