Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
  • A47C31/12—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons
  • A47C31/126—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons for chairs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/02—Seat parts
  • A47C7/14—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/02—Seat parts
  • A47C7/14—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
  • A47C7/142—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions by fluid means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
  • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
  • A47C7/46—Support for the head or the back for the back with special, e.g. adjustable, lumbar region support profile; "Ackerblom" profile chairs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
  • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
  • A47C7/46—Support for the head or the back for the back with special, e.g. adjustable, lumbar region support profile; "Ackerblom" profile chairs
  • A47C7/467—Support for the head or the back for the back with special, e.g. adjustable, lumbar region support profile; "Ackerblom" profile chairs adjustable by fluid means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C9/00—Stools for specified purposes
  • A47C9/002—Stools for specified purposes with exercising means or having special therapeutic or ergonomic effects

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device with a seat element and with a back element connected to the seat element, in particular in a tiltable manner, for accommodating a seated or reclining person and for adapting the contour of the back element to the posture of the person, and with a control unit, the seat element having at least one having a contact pressure sensor connected to the control unit for measuring an actual contact pressure distribution exerted by the person and wherein the back element has at least one first adjusting element connected to the control unit for changing the contour of the back element.
• the invention shows a method for adapting the contour of the back element to the posture of the person.
• US 2017/0086588 A1 discloses an air chamber system, comprising two laterally spaced air chamber elements integrated into the seat surface of a seat, which, when sitting unevenly, positions the pelvis of the seated user by balancing the ischial tuberosities by supplying or discharging air using a compressor.
• a portion of the air chamber elements is designed to be movable, allowing the user's femur position to be adjusted.
• Contact pressure sensors are integrated in the air chamber elements, which record the seat pressure exerted by the user's ischial tuberosity on the seat surface.
• a controller evaluates the seat pressure and controls the compressor according to the evaluation.
• WO 2020/215109 A1 also discloses a device for positioning a user's body, the device being integrated into a seat or a couch or as a edition is usable.
• the device comprises a seat element, a back element having a pelvic and lumbar spine module, and a computer unit, the back element being connected to the seat element, the pelvic and lumbar spine module comprising at least one actuating element and at least one sensor, and the seat element having at least one actuating element and at least comprises three sensors, the sensors being connected to the computer unit and designed to detect the seat and support pressures of the user in the seat element and in the pelvic and lumbar spine module, the computer unit being connected to the control elements and designed to record the seat and support pressures evaluate and activate the control elements.
• devices of this type have the disadvantage that they are very complex due to the use of a large number of sensors and actuating elements and, moreover, cannot be produced inexpensively. Such devices are therefore too expensive for use in objects of daily use, for example in office chairs, and are unsuitable due to the high adjustment and calibration effort.
• the present invention has therefore set itself the task of improving a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the contour of the back element can be automatically adapted to the posture of the person in a technically simple and cost-effective manner, and thus the natural posture of the person can be adjusted as best as possible is supported.
• control unit is programmed to select a specified posture and at least one characteristic target posture parameter corresponding to the specified posture, to calculate an actual posture parameter from the actual bearing pressure distribution measured by the contact pressure sensor and compare the actual posture parameter with the target posture parameter, and if the actual posture parameter matches the target posture parameter, control the first adjusting element in such a way that the contour of the back element is adapted to the posture of the person.
• the person can be placed sitting or lying on the device consisting of a seat element and a back element, with the contact pressure exerted on the seat element by the ischial tuberosities, the coccyx and sacrum of the person being measured by the contact pressure sensor provided in the seat element.
• the actual contact pressure measured in this way (or the actual contact pressure distribution) of the person can be used to determine their posture or their pelvic position.
• a first actuating element is provided, which can be controlled by a control unit and adjusted in such a way that the contour of the back element is changed in the process.
• a specified posture by the control unit and at least one characteristic target posture parameter corresponding to the specified posture it can be ensured that the person is always in a physiologically correct posture or one on the seating system before the contour of the back element is adapted to their posture coordinated pelvic position, which also has a positive effect on the lower lumbar spine area.
• Adopting a physiologically correct posture is important in order to avoid bad posture and to enable a longer sitting or lying posture without incorrect strain, postural damage or consequential damage. According to the invention, a technically simple and inexpensive device can thus be created which allows reliable body positioning.
• a physiologically correct posture of the person in particular in passive posture situations, is understood within the meaning of the invention as a sitting or lying posture at a specific angle of inclination of the back element relative to the seat element, in which the body section weights are supported in such a way as a function of the angle of inclination by adapting the adjusting elements to the individual body contour that the skeletal pelvic and spinal structures (coccyx and sacrum) are loaded according to their load function.
• the controlled coordination of the pelvis position on the seating system supports the overall positioning of the spine, in particular the muscular stress situation in the lumbar spine segments is directly positively influenced in its individual form, and the shoulder region is also supported in its own dynamics.
• the seat element can be tiltably connected to the back element.
• the seat element can also be essentially rigidly connected to the back element.
• the predefined posture is preferably selected by the control unit on the basis of various possible parameters. For example, numerous different parameters can be used to select the specified posture, such as the angle between the seat element and back element, a previously measured actual contact pressure distribution of the person on the seat element, historical data on the person's preferred postures and/or known incorrect postures, or comparable parameters.
• the posture can either be selected dynamically depending on variable parameters, or also be preset in the control unit (e.g. in the case of a device with a fixed seat angle).
• At least one corresponding characteristic target posture parameter is assigned to the specified posture, which characterizes the specified posture.
• the target posture parameter can be a pelvic rotation angle (or a pelvic tilt) of the person, with at least one pelvic rotation angle about the transverse, sagittal, or longitudinal axis being taken into account.
• the transverse axis lies in the transverse plane and is normal to the sagittal plane of the body.
• the sagittal axis lies in the sagittal plane and is normal to the frontal plane, and the longitudinal axis lies in the frontal plane and is normal to the transverse plane.
• an actual posture parameter related to the pelvis of the person can be determined from the measured actual contact pressure distribution, which reflects the actual posture (pelvis position) of the person on the seat element.
• the actual posture parameter correlates with the selected target posture parameter as described above: if, for example, a pelvic rotation angle around the transverse axis was selected as the target posture parameter, a pelvic rotation angle around the transverse axis is also used as the actual posture parameter for comparison with the target posture parameter determined from the actual contact pressure distribution.
• the actual posture parameter can be calculated from the actual bearing pressure distribution, for example using the positions of the peak pressures in the bearing pressure distribution.
• different bony structures of the pelvis in particular the coccyx and sacrum, can come into contact with the contact pressure sensor and thus generate a specific image of peak pressures - based on the respective bony structures.
• the two ischial tuberosities lose bearing pressure, while the bearing pressure of the coccyx and sacrum increases.
• the ischial tuberosity finally also loses contact with the seat element, and the contact pressure distribution is determined by the peak pressures originating from the sacrum and/or the iliac crests.
• a detailed description of the relationship between contact pressure distribution and posture parameters is given below using the figures as an example. Due to the possibility of evaluating individually pronounced actual contact pressure distributions based on the already mentioned known characteristics, which also take into account influences in the pressure transmission (soft tissue, sensor arrangement, etc.), and the comparison with the respective associated posture parameters, such as one or more pelvic rotation angles Finally, the respective actual posture parameter can be reliably inferred. This means that the control unit is able to determine when the person's posture corresponds to the specified posture by measuring the actual bearing pressure distribution.
• the control unit thus compares the actual posture parameter determined from the measured actual contact pressure distribution with the target posture parameter at constant intervals, in particular essentially continuously, and detects the point in time at which the two match. If they match, the control unit immediately activates the adjusting elements in order to adapt the contour of the back element to the posture of the person.
• the contour of the back element can be adjusted in such a way that it makes it easier to adopt the correct physiological (predetermined) posture or to maintain it.
• the device according to the invention can thus be particularly advantageously suitable for being integrated into an existing seat or couch or for use as a seat pad on a seat or couch. This results in a large number of possible applications, with the device not being restricted to the following examples.
• the device can be integrated into the following devices, for example: in office chairs, wheelchairs, vehicle seats, child restraint systems, exercise equipment, mattresses, in couches or mats in the rehabilitation and therapy area, or in operating theater beds.
• the device can also have a second bearing pressure sensor, which is provided in the back element.
• the second contact pressure sensor can preferably support the first contact pressure sensor in the seat element with the measurement of the actual contact pressure distribution at seat angles of more than 45°, since at high seat angles (especially in the lying position) the contact pressure distribution necessary for evaluating the pelvic rotation(s) changes shifted towards the back element.
• the spatial positioning of the second contact pressure sensor in relation to the first contact pressure sensor can be predetermined or known, so that an absolute and/or relative position determination of the contact pressures via the first and second contact pressure sensors is possible.
• the contact pressure sensor can extend beyond the seat element into the back element. In another alternative, the contact pressure sensor can extend essentially completely over the seat element and the back element.
• control unit can be programmed to issue instructions to the person to adopt the specified posture.
• the issue of instructions can make it easier for the person to assume the correct (specified) posture, or to assume the specified posture correctly.
• Such instructions can, for example, be instructions for straightening the upper body, changing the position of the pelvis or the like, with the entire spine being able to change as a unit before the adjusting elements are adjusted.
• the instructions can be output to the person visually, audibly or audiovisually, for example.
• the instructions can also be output to the person in a tactile manner, in particular in the form of pressure, touching and/or vibrations.
• control unit can be connected to an external computer, smartphone or similar device, preferably wirelessly, with the specified posture and/or the instructions for adopting the specified posture being able to be output on a display of the computer or smartphone.
• the person can receive direct feedback in a simple and reliable manner as to whether their current posture corresponds to the specified posture and what measures can be taken to adapt the current posture to the specified posture.
• Measures in the form of movements or sequences of movements, which make it easier to adjust the posture can preferably be displayed on the display of the computer or smartphone.
• a seat angle sensor connected to the control unit can be provided for measuring the seat angle between the seat element and the back element.
• the control unit can also be further programmed to select the specified posture as a function of the seat angle.
• the control unit can select a suitable predetermined posture in a technically simple manner.
• the seat angle can clearly reflect whether an upright sitting posture, a reclined sitting posture or even a lying posture is selected. In this way, it is also possible to prevent an incorrect or inappropriate predefined posture from being selected, which does not correspond to the person's current or desired sitting or lying position. The selection of such an incorrect posture would in particular force the person into incorrect postures, which results in disadvantageous muscle strain.
• the seat angle can be particularly indicative be responsible for which target posture parameter corresponds to the selected posture. For example, a correct pelvic rotation angle can be selected as a target posture parameter depending on the seat angle.
• an inclination sensor connected to the control unit can also be provided for measuring the inclination of the seat element.
• the inclination of the seat surface to the horizontal can also be reliably used to select a given posture.
• the control unit can also be programmed to select the specified posture depending on the inclination of the seat surface and/or the seat angle.
• control unit can also be programmed to select the predefined posture as a function of a previously measured actual posture.
• the measured seat angle between the seat element and the back element (as described above) can preferably be used to select the predetermined posture.
• a previously measured actual posture can serve as an indicator, in particular in connection with the seat angle, which posture the person is currently adopting for a given seat angle and which incorrect postures are present.
• a predetermined posture can be selected which is intended to compensate for the incorrect posture.
• the first adjusting element can be arranged on the back element, preferably in the area of the lumbar spine and in the transition area into the thoracic spine, and thus function as an adjustable lumbar support in the back element.
• the purpose of the control element is to give the person support to maintain the specified posture (in particular to maintain the pelvic position) so that there are as few or no fatigue effects as possible, which usually result in a relapse into an incorrect posture with incorrect loading of the spinal structures.
• the first adjusting element can in particular prevent the formation of a kyphosis of the spinal column.
• the seat element can have a second adjusting element, which is connected to the control unit, for changing the contour of the seat element.
• the second adjusting element can also reliably adjust the seat element to the specified posture.
• a versatile device with an adjustable contour of the seat and back element can be created in this way.
• the second adjusting element can preferably be provided in the region of the thighs and/or knees in the seat element, and thus a leg rest with a changeable contour provide, for example, to increase the seating comfort in seating systems without seat height adjustment option.
• the at least one contact pressure sensor can be a surface sensor which is arranged in the area of the seat surface of the seat element.
• the area sensor By arranging the area sensor in the seat, preferably in the rear area, the contact pressures exerted by the person’s pelvis, coccyx and sacrum can be fully recorded by the area sensor, regardless of how the person is exactly aligned with respect to the area sensor. The reliability of the device according to the invention can thus be further improved.
• the area sensor is preferably designed as a two-dimensional array of sensors that are selected from the group consisting of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic sensors.
• the position of the pelvis can be detected in any position of the person on the seat or bed.
• the accuracy of the sensing of the seat and support pressures by the sensors can be influenced.
• a large number of sensors enables the seat and support pressures of the person's pelvis to be precisely recorded.
• control unit can be programmed to limit the measuring range for the actual contact pressure distribution at the contact pressure sensor (in particular the area sensor) to run an iterative algorithm that maps the Mandelbrot set. It has been shown that the area on a contact pressure sensor in which the contact pressure distributions of a person on a seat surface that are relevant for seating systems as a function of the seat angle can be mapped to a Mandelbrot set.
• the parameterization of the base circle is determined from three peak pressure areas (2 ischial tuberosities, coccyx or sacrum) and in considering the pressure-transmitting skeletal structures as a quasi-rigidly connected functional unit with specific characteristics, a generalized coordinate (angle) is calculated within the detecting area, which Orientation of the pelvis on the sensor, which also makes it possible to assess sitting positions as soon as the pelvis is rotated into a sitting position and no third pronounced peak pressure area is detected within a large rotation angle range with an almost constant ischial tuberosity distance.
• a more detailed description of the parameterization of the Mandelbrot set is given in WO 2021/072461 A1.
• the computer unit executes an iterative algorithm that maps the Mandelbrot set using a recursive sequence ⁇ with an initial condition — 0.
• the area sensor is conceived as a Gaussian plane, in which the sitting and support pressures exerted by the person's pelvis are points C in the Gaussian plane.
• the Mandelbrot set includes those points for which the sequence remains limited, i.e. converges, ie approaches a limit more and more.
• the two-dimensional cardioid shape of the pelvis is created by the rolling process of the pelvis on the flat contact surface.
• a first position of the pelvis which corresponds to an upright sitting position of the person
• the pelvis of this person is tilted 90° around the horizontal axis into a second position forwards and then into a third position backwards.
• the pelvis is tilted backwards around the horizontal axis by 90° with respect to the first position of the pelvis or 180° with respect to the second position of the pelvis.
• the third position corresponds to a horizontal supine position of the person.
• the pelvis is rolled over the iliac crests on both sides, which corresponds to a mixed rotation of the pelvis or a pure rotation around the longitudinal axis in the lying position.
• the cardioid thus corresponds to a two-dimensional representation of an outer contour of the person's three-dimensional pelvis.
• the sacral structure of the pelvis is also shown in two dimensions inside the cardioids.
• the seated and seated pressures exerted by the person's pelvis on the area sensor occur within these cardioids .
• a corresponding area for detecting the actual contact pressure distribution at the contact pressure sensor can be determined for each specified posture (at a specific seat angle).
• the first and/or second actuating element can have one or more air chambers with associated valves, the air chambers being connected to at least one pump and the control unit being designed to open and close the valves.
• the air chambers can preferably have a cushion-like shape and be filled with air in such a way that the person feels comfortable and not too hard when sitting, but sufficient dimensional stability can still be guaranteed, so that the person can maintain the intended posture for a long time without strong able to sustain signs of fatigue.
• the air chambers in the first and/or second adjusting element can at least partially overlap.
• an adjusting element By superimposing the air chambers, i.e. by the air chambers lying one above the other in the direction of the contour of the back element, an adjusting element can be created which enables particularly complex and flexibly adaptable contours on the back element.
• control unit can be programmed to fill or evacuate the air chambers independently of one another by controlling the valves and the pump. Depending on the contour required in the back element, the control unit can thus fill the air chambers individually when the valve is open or close the valve after filling and thus fix the filling of the air chamber.
• the at least one pump can also be connected to the control unit and controlled in such a way that the respective air chamber is filled when the valve is open.
• the pump can also be designed to vacuum the air chamber when the valve is open and thus to reduce the filling of the air chamber. By optionally inflating or vacuuming the air chambers, the hardness of each air chamber can be adjusted individually be adjusted and thus a particularly comfortable and versatile control element can be created.
• the air chambers can have loose particulate filling material, which can be moved freely when the air chambers are filled and is fixed in its position when the air chambers are in a vacuum state.
• the particulate filling material can be a soft, but nevertheless dimensionally stable, preferably spherical material, for example hard foam balls.
• the air chambers can in particular be filled with so much filling material that the air chambers in the vacuumed state have sufficient volume through the filling material to change the contour of the back element. In the air-filled state, the filling material in the air chambers can be easily moved, so that the air chambers can assume any shape without being forced.
• the person can impress the corresponding desired shape on the air chambers by leaning against the back element, this shape being fixed by vacuuming the air chambers.
• the air chambers can then keep the fixed shape until the next time they are filled with air, thus ensuring a stable and permanent shape of the actuating element.
• the first and/or second adjusting element can also have mechanically and/or hydraulically adjustable elements.
• control unit can also be programmed, after the contour of the back element has been adapted to the posture of the person, to activate the first and/or second actuating element at predetermined time intervals in order to change and/or modulate the contour of the back element.
• a pump or valve can be controlled in a targeted manner in order to change the air pressure in the air chambers at predetermined time intervals.
• control unit can be programmed to measure the actual contact pressure distribution and to monitor the actual posture parameter during and/or after the changing or modulating of the contour of the back element. For example, it can be recognized whether the person can continue to maintain the specified posture after changing or during the modulation of the contour of the back element, or whether it varies only within a certain neutral range (defined angle of rotation range). This measure represents a targeted mobilization measure.
• control unit can also be programmed to change or modulate the contour of the back element in a predetermined range of posture parameters.
• the contour can be changed or modulated within a range of ⁇ 11.25° around the pelvic rotation angle as a posture parameter.
• the pelvis is stimulated by changing or modulating the contour of the back element in such a way that the pelvic rotation angle determined from the actual contact pressure distribution deviates from the target value by a maximum of ⁇ 11.25°.
• the present invention has also set itself the task of providing a method for adapting the contour of a back element to the posture of a person, which method enables the contour to be automatically adjusted without additional input from the person.
• the invention solves the problem set by a method according to claim 10.
• a person is recorded on a seat element in a sitting or lying position, which is connected to a back element by a seat angle, in particular so that it can be tilted.
• the following steps are now carried out, preferably in the specified order: a) selection of a specified posture and at least one characteristic target posture parameter assigned to the specified posture, b) measurement of the actual contact pressure distribution, c) determination of an actual posture parameter the actual contact pressure distribution, d) comparison of the actual posture parameter with the target posture parameter, e) repetition of steps b) - d) until a match between the actual posture parameter and the target posture parameter is determined, f) if the actual conforms -Posture parameters with the target posture parameter: adapting the contour of the back element to the posture of the person.
• a predetermined posture is first selected from a number of different possible physiologically correct postures, which the person should maintain while sitting or lying on the seat element.
• At least one characteristic target posture parameter is assigned to the specified posture, which corresponds to the specified posture on the seat element.
• the target posture parameter can preferably be a pelvic rotation angle when the pelvis rotates about the transverse, sagittal, or longitudinal axis.
• the actual contact pressure distribution exerted by the person on the seat element is measured in step b) via a contact pressure sensor provided in the seat element.
• an actual posture parameter is then calculated from the measured actual contact pressure distribution, with the actual posture parameter correlating with the selected target posture parameter, i.e. being comparable (e.g. actual and target pelvic rotation angle around the transverse axis of the pelvis) .
• step d) By comparing the actual posture parameter and the target posture parameter, it can thus be determined in step d) whether the person is actually assuming the specified posture correctly.
• steps b) to d) are repeated until the actual posture parameter and target posture parameter match .
• steps b) to d) can also be carried out continuously at predetermined time intervals until a match is established.
• the contour of the back element can be adapted to the posture of the person in step f).
• the contour of the back element is adapted in particular in such a way that the person is supported in maintaining the correct, predetermined posture.
• the method according to the invention can thus ensure that the contour of the back element is always adapted to the person's posture in such a way that the person can maintain the physiologically correct (selected) posture over a longer period of time without postural damage, or prevents muscular fatigue through appropriate support.
• the seat angle between seat element and back element is determined before step a), and consequently in step a) the specified posture and the characteristic target posture parameter are selected as a function of the seat angle.
• the method can use the seat angle to select a correct, specified posture in a particularly reliable manner, since the seat angle clearly reflects whether an upright sitting posture, an inclined sitting posture or, for example, a lying posture is present. The risk of selecting an incorrect or unsuitable predefined posture can thus be significantly reduced, as a result of which the reliability of the method can be further increased.
• the control unit can select a suitable predetermined posture in a technically simple manner.
• the seat angle can clearly reflect whether an upright sitting posture, a reclined sitting posture or even a lying posture is selected.
• the characteristic target posture parameter associated with the selected posture can then subsequently be selected.
• the posture parameter can be a pelvic rotation angle and the target posture parameter can be selected as a target pelvic rotation angle as a function of the seat angle.
• the predefined posture can be selected on the basis of an inclination of the seat element.
• the specified posture can also be selected using other alternative or additional parameters, such as an actual contact pressure distribution of the person on the seat element measured before step a), historical data on the person's preferred postures and/or known incorrect postures, or the like become.
• an instruction can be issued to the user between steps a) and b) to adopt the specified posture.
• the predefined posture can preferably additionally or alternatively be displayed to the user visually or output acoustically.
• the instructions can be visual, auditory or tactile instructions.
• an iterative algorithm that maps the Mandelbrot set can be executed to limit the measuring range of a surface sensor for measuring the actual contact pressure distribution.
• step f) to adapt the contour of the back element in step f) to adapt the contour of the back element, several independent air chambers that can be shut off by valves can be pre-filled with a selected air pressure by opening the valves and then fixed by closing the valves.
• a single air chamber that can be shut off by a valve can also be pre-filled with a selected air pressure by opening the valve and then fixed by closing the valve.
• the air chambers can be filled continuously with a pump at a constant pressure or a constant flow rate while the person is in the specified posture. The person partially leans against the backrest and the air chambers in such a way that a different amount of air escapes from the different air chambers. After closing the valves, the air chambers are thus filled with different pressures and together they form the contour of the back element.
• the selected air pressure can be varied according to a desired setting during the pre-inflation of the air chambers, the selected air pressure corresponding to a degree of hardness of the air chambers.
• the contour of the back element after the contour of the back element has been adapted to the posture of the person, the contour of the back element can be changed and/or modulated at predetermined time intervals.
• This changing or modulating can be, for example, a loosening of the fixed contour of the back element, and thus encourage the person to use the musculature for stabilization or for maintaining the posture.
• the modulation of the contour of the back element can also include over- or under-filling of air chambers in order to stimulate the musculature.
• the contour of the back element can be changed or modulated in a predetermined range of the target posture parameter, as described above for the device.
• the method according to the invention can particularly preferably be carried out using a device according to one of claims 1 to 10.
• the control unit is programmed in particular to carry out the method according to the invention.
• inventive device according to one of claims 1 to 10 can be particularly advantageous in a piece of seating furniture with a seat and a backrest, comprising the device, wherein the seat element is integrated in the seat and the back element in the backrest.
• the device according to one of claims 1 to 10 according to the invention can be characterized particularly advantageously in a seat cover for resting on a piece of seating furniture, having the device.
• FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a device for adjusting the contour of the back element according to a first embodiment variant of the invention with a person in an upright sitting position
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a device for adjusting the contour of the back element and the seat element according to a second embodiment variant of the invention with a person in an upright sitting position
• FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a device for adjusting the contour of the back element and the seat element according to a third embodiment variant of the invention with a person in an upright sitting position
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the device from FIG. 1 with a person in an inclined sitting position
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the device from FIG. 1 with a person lying down
• 6a shows a first actual contact pressure distribution of a person in an upright sitting position
• FIG. 6c shows a third actual bearing pressure distribution of a person in a backwards-inclined sitting position
• FIG. 6d shows a fourth actual bearing pressure distribution of a person in a backwards-inclined sitting position
• 6e shows a fifth actual bearing pressure distribution of a person lying down
• 6f shows a sixth actual bearing pressure distribution of a person lying down.
• the device 100 shows a schematic view of the device 100 according to the invention, on which a person 1 is positioned in an upright sitting position.
• the device 100 has a back element 2 and a seat element 3 which are tiltably connected to one another and enclose a seat angle 4 .
• the person 1 bears the weight of his pelvis or the two seat bones 21 on the seat element 3 .
• the back element 2 can also be rigidly connected to the seat element 3 and cannot be tilted relative to it.
• a contact pressure sensor 5 is provided in the rear area of the seat element 3 and measures the actual contact pressure distribution that the person 1 exerts on the seat element 3 .
• the Contact pressure sensor 5 is preferably designed as a surface sensor or surface pressure sensor, with the surface sensor being able to simultaneously measure the contact pressure at different points and thus directly determining the contact pressure distribution in the plane of the seat element 3 .
• the contact pressure sensor 5 can also be distributed over the entire seat element 3, which is not shown in detail in the figures.
• the device 100 can enable a complete detection of the contact pressure distribution even in the case of high seat angles 4, for example in an inclined sitting position 20a or a lying position 20b as shown in FIGS.
• the contact pressure sensor can extend over the entire seat element 3 and over the entire back element 2 .
• At least one first adjusting element 6 is provided in the back element 2 and is designed to change the contour 7 of the back element 2 .
• the adjusting element 6 is preferably arranged in the area 8 of the lumbar spine and in the transition area into the thoracic spine of the person 1, so that the adjusting element 6 provides support, in particular in the form of a lumbar support, after adjustment to the posture of the person 1.
• the first adjusting element 6 has two air chambers 9 which are connected to a pump 11 via fluid lines 10 .
• a valve 12 is provided in each of the fluid lines 10, which valve can selectively separate or establish the connection between the respective air chamber 9 and the pump 11.
• the valves 12 When the valves 12 are closed, the air chambers 9 are closed and the trapped air cannot escape from the air chambers 9.
• the individual air chambers 9 can be filled with different pressures, as a result of which an adjustable control element 6 is obtained.
• the air chambers 9 are filled with air.
• the air chambers 9 can also be filled with other fluids, such as different gases or liquids.
• the air chambers 9 are designed to hold any fluids.
• the first actuating element 6a has three air chambers 9a, which are partially opposite each other overlay.
• the air chambers 9a are each connected to a pump 11 via fluid lines 10, with valves 12 being provided in the fluid lines 10 between the pump 11 and the air chambers 9a.
• the device 101 in FIG. 2 has a second adjusting element 6b in the seat element 3 , which is designed to change the contour 7a of the seat element 3 .
• the second control element 6b also has an air chamber 9b, which is connected by a fluid line 10 via a valve 12 to a pump 11a.
• the pumps 11, 11a are designed simultaneously for filling and for evacuating the air chambers 9a, 9b.
• the air chambers 9a, 9b in the device 101 are filled with a loose filling material 13 in particulate form.
• the filling material 13 can be moved freely when the air chambers 9a, 9b are filled with air, as a result of which the air chambers 9a, 9b can be adapted to the posture of the person 1 in a particularly simple manner. If the air chambers 9a, 9b are now evacuated, the air chambers 9a, 9b permanently retain their shape dictated by the individual back or spine profile or thigh and can thus reliably support the contour 7 of the back element 2 and/or the contour 7a of the seat element 3 adapt to the posture of person 1.
• the actuating element 6c has only a single air chamber 9c, with the actuating element 6c and the air chamber 9c being arranged essentially over the entire back element 2.
• the air chamber 9c is filled with a particulate filling material 13, as already described above for the air chamber 9a in FIG.
• the filling material 13 can be fixed in its position and the contour 7 of the back element 2 can thus be adapted to the posture of the person.
• all air chambers 9, 9a, 9b, 9c are each connected to their own pump 11, 11a via a valve 12. In this way, all the air chambers 9, 9a, 9b, 9c can be filled simultaneously with different pressures or can be evacuated independently of one another, which enables complex and versatile adjustment of the adjusting elements 6, 6a, 6b, 6c.
• the device 100, 101, 102 has a control unit 50 which is connected to the pumps 11, 11a, the valves 12, the seat angle sensor 14 and the contact pressure sensor 5, 5a via control lines 15.
• control lines 15 there can also be wireless connections between the control unit 50 and the pumps 11, 11a, the valves 12, the seat angle sensor 14 and the contact pressure sensor 5, 5a.
• the device 100, 101, 102 can also have an inclination sensor connected to the control unit 50, which measures the inclination of the seat element 3 to the horizontal, which has not been shown in detail in the figures.
• control unit 50 is programmed to carry out a method 200 for adapting the contour 7 of the back element 2 to the posture of the person 1.
• control unit 50 is programmed to: select a specified posture and a characteristic target posture parameter corresponding to the specified posture, in particular as a function of seat angle 4, preferably output instructions for assuming the selected specified posture, from which the contact pressure sensor 5 measured actual bearing pressure distribution to determine an actual posture parameter and to compare the ascertained actual posture parameter with the target posture parameter, if the actual posture parameter and target posture parameter match, to control the adjusting elements 6, 6a, 6c in such a way that the contour 7 of the Adjust back element 2 to the posture of the person 1.
• control unit 50 is also programmed to limit the measuring range at the contact pressure sensor 5, 5a (area sensor) for measuring the actual contact pressure distribution, to run an iterative algorithm that maps the Mandelbrot set.
• the measuring range can be reliably restricted to the measuring range relevant for determining the actual contact pressure distribution.
• the preferred configurations of the device 100, 101, 102 are presented below using the method 200 according to the invention and FIGS.
• the Method 200 according to the invention can preferably be carried out using a device 100, 101, 102.
• the control unit 50 of the device 100, 101, 102 is programmed in each case to carry out the method 200 accordingly.
• the method 200 according to the invention for adapting the contour 7 of the back element 2 to the posture of a person 1 comprises the following steps (in the given order): a1) measurement of the seat angle 4 between the seat element 3 and the back element 2; a) selection of a predetermined posture and at least one characteristic target posture parameter assigned to the predetermined posture, in particular as a function of the seat angle 4; bl) Issuing instructions to the person to take the given posture; b) measurement of the actual bearing pressure distribution; c) determination of the actual posture parameter from the actual contact pressure distribution; d) comparing the determined actual posture parameter with the selected target posture parameter, e) repeating steps bl)-d) until the actual posture parameter matches the target posture parameter, f) if the actual posture parameter matches the target posture parameter: adapting the contour 7 of the back element 2 to the posture of the person 1.
• Steps a1) and b1) are optional and can optionally be omitted independently of one another according to further embodiment variants.
• the seat angle 4 is measured in step a1) using the seat angle sensor 14, and in step b) the actual contact pressure distribution is measured using the contact pressure sensor 5.
• Instructions are output to the person 1 in step b1) preferably via a display 70 of a computer or a smartphone 60, which is connected to the control unit 50, preferably wirelessly.
• the instructions can be displayed audibly and/or visually, so that the person 1 can easily correct any incorrect posture and assume the specified posture correctly.
• the person 1 assumes an essentially upright posture 20, which corresponds to a physiologically correct sitting posture.
• this posture 20 only the ischial tuberosities 21 rest on the seat element 3; there is no contact of the coccyx 22 or sacrum 23 with the seat element 2, or no significant pressure transmission to the contact pressure sensor 5, 5a through the coccyx and sacrum 22, 23 can be detected.
• FIG. 4 again shows the device 100, with the person 1 assuming a backward-leaning sitting posture 20a. Both the ischial tuberosities 21 and the coccyx and sacrum 22, 23 are in contact with the seat element 2.
• FIG. 5 shows the device 100, with the person 1 assuming a lying position 20b.
• both the ischial tuberosity 21 and the coccyx 22 are no longer in contact with the seat element 2.
• the body section weight of the person 1 in the area of the pelvis now rests exclusively on the sacrum 23.
• the pelvis of person 1 is physiologically correctly aligned, as a result of which the lumbar spine in area 8 forms a lordosis.
• the contour 7 of the back element 2 is adapted to the respective posture 20, 20a, 20b, so that the adjusting element 6, 6a, 6c serve as permanent support, counteract fatigue of the posture-stabilizing muscles, and thus prevent damage associated with poor posture.
• poses 20, 20a, 20b correspond to the predetermined poses selected by method 200, respectively. If there is a deviation from the specified posture, e.g. if the pelvis is rotated and the lumbar spine develops either hyperlordosis or kyphosis, the control unit 50 and the smartphone 60 connected to the control unit 50 or a computer or the like can Instructions to correct posture are issued. If the posture 20, 20a, 20b is adopted correctly, the control unit 50 can also issue instructions for maintaining the correct posture 20, 20a, 20b, while the adjusting elements 6 are adapted to the posture of the person.
• the valves 12 to the air chambers 9 are opened in step f) to adapt the contour 7 of the back element 2, and the air chambers 9 are pre-filled with a selected air pressure.
• This pre-filling can also take place with the valves 12 open during the entire method 200 until the correct posture has been assumed and finally the valves 12 for fixing the air chambers are closed.
• the air pressure during the pre-inflation can be preset or adjusted according to a desired degree of hardness. For example, the degree of hardness can be adjusted by the person 1 during the method 200 via the smartphone 60 in connection with the control unit 50 .
• the contact pressure distribution 30 in FIG. 6a corresponds to an upright posture 20, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
• a pelvic rotation angle ⁇ around the transverse axis of approximately 0° can be determined as the actual posture parameter.
• the contact pressure distribution 30 is characterized by two peak sitting pressures 36a, 36b spaced apart from the pelvic center line 38, which correspond to the contact pressures exerted by the ischial tuberosities 21.
• a contact pressure from the coccyx or sacrum 22, 23 is not detected here.
• FIG. 6b shows a contact pressure distribution 31 of the same upright posture 20 as in FIG. 6a, but with a pelvic rotation to be corrected.
• a peak sitting pressure 37a can also be recognized, which is exerted by the coccyx or sacrum 22, 23 and the deviating rotation of the pelvis from the specified upright posture suggests.
• the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ that can be derived from the contact pressure distribution 31 is therefore not 0°, as specified by the target posture parameter, but about 25°.
• instructions can now be issued to the person 1 in order to adopt the specified posture correctly or to reduce the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ , or the control elements can be activated accordingly for the correction.
• the contact pressure distribution 32 corresponds to a backwards inclined sitting posture 20a, as shown in FIG.
• the pelvic rotation angle ß is about 32°.
• the bearing pressure distribution 32 shows, like the bearing pressure distributions 30 and 31 above, peak sitting pressures 36e, 36f, which are exerted by the ischial tuberosities 21.
• a peak seating pressure 37b which is exerted by the coccyx or sacrum 22, 23, is visible.
• a contact pressure distribution 33 is again shown, which corresponds to a backwards-inclined sitting posture with a pelvic rotation angle ⁇ of approximately 45°.
• the peak sitting pressures 36g, 36h emanating from the ischial tuberosities 21 are reduced in intensity compared to the contact pressure distributions 31, 32 in FIGS. 6b and 6c and are shifted forward in the direction of higher pelvic rotation angles ⁇ .
• the peak sitting pressure 37c exerted by the coccyx or sacrum 22, 23, on the other hand, is localized around the 45° point on the pelvic center line 38.
• a contact pressure distribution 34 is shown, which corresponds to a lying-flat posture 20b, as illustrated in FIG.
• the contact pressure distribution 34 does not show any peak sitting pressures that are exerted by the ischial tuberosity 21 .
• a dominant peak seat pressure 37d is visible, which of the Sacrum 23 of the person is exercised.
• the pelvic rotation angle ß is about 90°.
• a pelvic rotation angle ⁇ about the transverse axis of the pelvis
• a pelvic rotation angle ⁇ about the sagittal axis of the body can also be determined.
• the pelvic rotation angle y manifests itself as a deviation of the peak seat pressure 37d from the pelvic center line 38.
• FIG. 6f shows a contact pressure distribution 35 which corresponds to a lying position of a person 1 with increasing elimination of the lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine. This leads to a further rotation of the pelvis, which finally manifests itself in a pelvic rotation angle ß of over 90°.
• a peak contact pressure 37e can be seen in the contact pressure distribution 35, which is exerted by the sacrum 23 and is approximately at the position of the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ of 101°.
• a pelvic rotation angle ⁇ can again be determined as a deviation of the tip contact pressure 37e from the pelvic center line 38 . With a larger pelvic rotation angle y, the pelvis is increasingly stressed.
• the pelvic center line 38 defines the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ in the bearing pressure distributions 30-35 of FIGS. 6a-6f as a generalized coordinate along a straight line on the bearing pressure sensor 5 or 5a.
• the position of the 11.25° point of the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ can be taken as halfway between the peak seated pressure 37b and a connecting line of the peak seat pressures 36e and 36f can be found.
• the total scaling of the pelvic rotation angle ⁇ along the pelvic centerline 38 can be calculated, with the 0° point is shifted by 11.25° in the direction of a lower pelvic rotation angle ß.
• the length from 0° to 11.25° is defined by the relationship 0.25 * 0.5 * C, with the radius of the base circle C of the Mandelbrot set being twice the distance between the ischial tuberosities 21 (represented by the Pointed seat pressures 36c, 36d) is calculated and represents a pelvic rotation angle ß of 90 °.
• the method 200 can include a further step of calibrating the actual posture parameter.
• the actual posture parameter is, for example, a pelvic rotation angle ß
• the calibration can be carried out as described in the previous paragraph by first recognizing a backwards inclined posture 20a, with the first measurement of the peak sitting pressure 37a of the coccyx and sacrum, and deriving the 11.25° Points from it, take place.
• the controller 50 can also be designed to carry out the steps described above.
• FIG. 1 also shows seating furniture 300 with a seat surface 303 and a backrest 302 , seating furniture 300 having device 100 .
• the seat element 3 is integrated in the seat surface 303 of the piece of furniture 300 and the back element 2 is integrated in the backrest 302 .
• the device 102 is shown as a seat pad 400, which can be placed on a piece of seating furniture 500 without structural changes.

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• Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
• Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-09-16 AT ATA50730/2021A patent/AT525503A1/de unknown
• 2022
  • 2022-08-24 CN CN202280076542.XA patent/CN118265478A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-08-24 WO PCT/AT2022/060290 patent/WO2023039623A1/de active Application Filing

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