Wearable sitting-posture aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable sitting-posture assisting devices lack comfort, ergonomics, and safety, particularly in terms of freedom of movement and joint loading, and do not effectively support various sitting and standing postures.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a bearing unit that includes a reset element for applying a reset force to the foot unit, allowing translational movement and individual positioning, combined with a quick coupling system for easy attachment and detachment of the shoe adapter and connector, enhancing comfort and safety by preventing joint overload and improving physiological movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the foot unit is fixed rigidly to the leg unit, then structural stability is improved, but freedom of movement and wearing comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit enables dynamic positioning of the foot unit relative to the leg unit, allowing translational movement along the longitudinal leg axis. This dynamic adjustment capability provides both structural stability when positioned and freedom of movement when adjusted, resolving the contradiction between fixed rigidity and movement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the connection between foot unit and leg unit into separable components: the bearing unit that provides translational support and the reset element that provides controlled positioning. This segmentation allows independent optimization of stability and movement freedom.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing unit allows free translational movement, then wearing comfort is improved, but joint loading and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reset element acts as a preliminary counter-action mechanism that prevents excessive translational movement of the foot unit. By providing a restoring force that opposes displacement beyond a certain point, it protects joints from overload while still allowing comfortable range of motion during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset element changes the mechanical parameters of the bearing unit by introducing a non-linear force characteristic: free movement within a comfortable range, then increasing resistance to prevent joint overload. This parameter change enables both comfort and safety.
3Ease of operation
If quick coupling and detachment mechanisms are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism utilizes the user's own foot movement and body weight to automatically engage or disengage the connection between foot unit and leg unit. The bearing unit's translational capability works with the reset element to provide automatic positioning and locking, eliminating the need for complex manual coupling mechanisms.
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 device improves comfort and safety by allowing greater freedom of movement, reducing joint loading, and enabling quick and secure attachment/detachment, thus enhancing operational safety and usability across different postures.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing unit comprises at least one reset element, which is configured, in at least one bearing position, to apply a reset force to at least a portion of the foot unit
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes at least one leg unit that defines at least one longitudinal leg axis, and includes at least one foot unit that is configured for a connection of a shoe and/or a foot of a person, and includes at least one bearing unit supporting at least a portion of the foot unit such that it is translationally movable at least transversely to the at least one longitudinal leg axis.The bearing unit comprises at least one reset element, which is configured, in at least one bearing position, to apply a reset force to at least a portion of the foot unit.