U.S. patent application number 09/986213 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for apparatus and method for cyclic adjustment of a supporting element in a seat.
Invention is credited to Kosaka, Kenji, Xue, Ryan.
Application Number | 20030075959 09/986213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25532193 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030075959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Xue, Ryan ; et al. |
April 24, 2003 |
Apparatus and method for cyclic adjustment of a supporting element
in a seat
Abstract
An apparatus and method for moving a lumbar support through a
cycle of repeated movements between a more curved position and a
less curved position. The movement reduces muscle fatigue by
pumping lactic acid out of peri-spinal muscles and by massaging
those muscles.
Inventors: |
Xue, Ryan; (Windsor, CA)
; Kosaka, Kenji; (Windsor, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUSCH & EPPENBERGER, LLC
190 CARONDELET PLAZA
SUITE 600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105-3441
US
|
Family ID: |
25532193 |
Appl. No.: |
09/986213 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/465 20130101;
B60N 2/6673 20150401; B60N 2/6671 20150401; B60N 2/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 003/025 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for movement of a lumbar support, comprising: a
flexible supporting element adapted to be coupled to a seat for
movement relative thereto; and driving means for automatically
moving said flexible supporting element through an adjustment cycle
that begins at a first position, then makes a first movement in a
first direction to a second position, then makes a second movement
in a second direction to a third position, then moves in said first
direction again.
2. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said first movement in said first direction and said second
movement in said second direction are repeated in plurality of
cycles.
3. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 2
wherein said plurality of cycles stop automatically after a
pre-configured time interval.
4. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said movements are without pause.
5. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein each of said movements are separated by a pause.
6. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 5
wherein each of said pauses are about three seconds.
7. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said first direction and said second direction are
substantially opposite.
8. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said first position and said second position are at least 4
millimeters apart.
9. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said second position and said third position are at least 8
millimeters apart.
10. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said second position and said third position are 12
millimeters apart.
11. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said second movement from said second position to said
third position is in a range from about 10 seconds long to about 25
seconds long.
12. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said lumbar support is a push paddle.
13. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said lumbar support is a flexible wire mat.
14. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said driving means includes a traction cable and said
flexible supporting element is an arching pressure surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said driving means include an
electric motor and a control module, said electric motor coupled to
said supporting element, said control module coupled to said
electric motor and electrically connectable to a power source, said
electric motor adapted to move said supporting element in said
first direction when provided with an electric current of a first
polarity and to move said supporting element in said second
direction when provided with an electric current of a second
polarity.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said control module is
adapted to automatically communicate a plurality of electric
currents to said electric motor whereby said electric motor moves
said supporting element through said adjustment cycle, said control
module further including polarity switching means for providing a
first polarity connection between said power source and said
electric motor when said control module communicates said electric
current of a first polarity to said electric motor and for
providing a second polarity connection between said power source
and said electric motor when said control module communicates said
electric current of a second polarity to said electric motor.
17. An apparatus for automatically moving a supporting element in a
seat in a first direction and a second direction according to an
adjustment cycle, said apparatus comprising: a driving assembly
having an output movable in said first direction and said second
direction, said output adapted to be connected to said supporting
element in said seat; a power source; a current controller
communicable with said power source for generating current for a
pre-configured cycle time; a switch for automatically establishing
a first polarity connection and a second polarity connection
between said current regulating means and said driving apparatus,
said switch communicating a plurality of current flows from said
current regulating means to said driving apparatus through said
first polarity and second polarity connections whereby said driving
apparatus moves said output in said first direction and said second
direction according to said adjustment cycle.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said controller further
includes a position indicator and a memory, said position indicator
communicating with said driving assembly and said memory, said
drive assembly defining a first position when said adjustment cycle
is initiated, said controller defining a second and third positions
relative to said first position, said position indicator being
adapted to communicate said first position of said drive assembly
to said memory when said adjustment cycle is initiated, said memory
storing said first position, said position indicator being adapted
to communicate a plurality of positions of said drive assembly to
said controller, said controller communicating to said switch said
first polarity and said controller communicating to said drive
assembly said current between said first position and said second
position, then said controller communicating to said switch said
second polarity and said controller communicating to said drive
assembly said current between said second position and said third
position, then said controller communicating to said switch said
first polarity and said controller communicating to said drive
assembly said current between said third position and said second
position, said controller adapted to retrieve said initial position
from said memory and return said driving assembly to said first
position when said adjustment cycle is cancelled.
19. A method of relieving muscle fatigue in a seat occupant
comprising: adjusting the curvature of a supporting element;
placing said supporting element in a first position operatively
engaging a muscle of the seat occupant wherein the first position
defines a first degree of curvature of the supporting element;
adjusting the curvature of the supporting element according to an
adjustment cycle comprising starting at said first degree of
curvature; increasing the degree of curvature a first amount to
define a second degree of curvature then; decreasing the degree of
curvature of the supporting element a second amount to define a
third degree of curvature; and increasing the degree of curvature
from said third degree of curvature back to said second degree of
curvature.
20. The method of claim 20 wherein said in said steps of decreasing
the degree of curvature of the supporting element a second amount
to define a third degree of curvature and increasing the degree of
curvature from said third degree of curvature back to said second
degree of curvature are repeated a plurality of times.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein said repeating steps
automatically stop after a pre-configured period of time.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of pausing
between each of said steps.
23. The method of claim 19 wherein said second degree of curvature
and said third degree of curvature are substantially 12 millimeters
apart.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein each of said increasing and
decreasing steps between said second degree of curvature and said
third degree of curvature are substantially 10 to 25 seconds
long.
25. An apparatus for movement of a lumbar support, comprising: a
flexible supporting element adapted to be coupled to a seat for
movement relative thereto; and a driver for automatically moving
said flexible supporting element through an adjustment cycle that
begins at a first position, then makes a first movement in a first
direction to a second position, then makes a second movement in a
second direction to a third position, then moves in said first
direction again.
26. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said first movement in said first direction and said second
movement in said second direction are repeated in cycles.
27. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 26
wherein said cyclic movement stops automatically after a
pre-configured time interval.
28. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said movements are without pause.
29. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein each of said movements are separated by a pause.
30. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 29
wherein each of said pauses are about three seconds.
31. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said first direction and said second direction are
substantially opposite.
32. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said first position and said second position are at least 4
millimeters apart.
33. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said second position and said third position are at least 8
millimeters apart.
34. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said second position and said third position are 12
millimeters apart.
35. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said movement from said second position to said third
position is in a range from about 10 seconds long to about 25
seconds long.
36. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said lumbar support is a push paddle.
37. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 25
wherein said lumbar support is a flexible wire mat.
38. The apparatus for movement of a lumbar support of claim 1
wherein said driving means includes a traction cable and said
flexible supporting element is an arching pressure surface.
39. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said driver includes an
electric motor and a controller, said electric motor coupled to
said supporting element, said controller coupled to said electric
motor and electrically connectable to a power source, said electric
motor adapted to move said supporting element in said first
direction when provided with a current flow in a first polarity and
to move said supporting element in said second direction when
provided with a current flow in a second polarity.
40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said controller is adapted to
automatically communicate at least two current flows to said
electric motor whereby said electric motor moves said supporting
element through said adjustment cycle, said communication of said
at least two current flows further being alternately selected by a
polarity switch between a first current flow by a first polarity
connection from said power source to said electric motor when said
controller communicates a first of said at least two current flows
to said electric motor and a second current flow by a second
polarity connection from said power source to said electric motor
when said controller communicates a second of said at least two
current flows.
41. An apparatus for automatically moving a supporting element in a
seat in a first direction and a second direction according to an
adjustment cycle, said apparatus comprising: a driving assembly
comprising: an archable support element; a traction actuator
operatively engaged with said archable support element; an output
movable in said first direction and said second direction, said
output being in actuating engagement with said traction actuator; a
motor in driving engagement with said traction actuator; a power
source powering said motor; a current controller communicable with
said power source for generating current for a pre-configured cycle
time; a sensor that monitors the position of said support element,
said sensor being in communication with said driving assembly and
said current controller to stop said automatic moving in said first
direction or in said second direction at pre-configured positions;
and a switch for automatically establishing a first polarity
connection and a second polarity connection between said current
controller and said driving apparatus, said switch communicating a
current from said current controller to said driving apparatus
through said first polarity and second polarity connections whereby
said driving assembly moves said output in said first direction and
said second direction according to said adjustment cycle; whereby
said output of said driving assembly engages said traction actuator
to move said archable support element from a first position to a
second position and from said second position through said first
position to a third position and to repeat said movements between
said second position and said third position until stopping said
movements after said pre-configured cycle time.
42. The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising: a stall sensor in
monitoring engagement with said motor and in communication with
said driving assembly such that stalling of said motor at a
mechanical limit of said archable support element ends a movement
in either of said first direction or said second direction,
switches from one of said first or second polarity to the other of
said first or second polarity, and reinitiates current.
43. An apparatus for movement of a lumbar support, comprising: a
flexible supporting element adapted to be coupled to a seat for
movement relative thereto; and a driver for automatically moving
said flexible supporting element through an adjustment cycle that
begins at a first position, then makes a first movement in a first
direction to a second position, then makes a second movement in a
second direction through said first position to a third position,
then moves in said first direction again.
44. A data structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium
controlling a lumbar support flexion cycle comprising: an
instruction to initialize a memory with a first, second and third
position upon a user selection of a first position, said second and
said third positions being on opposite sides of said first
position; an instruction to move from said first position to said
second position; an instruction to move from said second position
to said third position;
45. The data structure of claim 35 further comprising; an
instruction to continue moving between said second and said third
positions.
46. The data structure of claim 35 further comprising; an
instruction to stop moving between said second and said third
positions after a pre-configured period of time.
47. The data structure of claim 35 further comprising; an
instruction to pause between each of said movements from said
second position to said third position and each of said movements
from said third position to said second position.
48. A cyclic lumbar support pattern comprising: a first movement
six millimeters in a first direction; a second movement 12
millimeters in a second direction; and a third movement 12
millimeters in said first direction.
49. The cyclic lumbar support pattern of claim 48 wherein said
second and third movements repeat.
50. The cyclic lumbar support pattern of claim 48 further
comprising: a pause between each of said movements.
51. The cyclic lumbar support pattern of claim 48 further
comprising: a cancellation of cycling after a pre-configured time
period.
52. A lumbar support movement cycle pattern stored via machine
readable storage media, said stored pattern comprising: a first
plurality of binary values that initialize a memory register with a
selected first position of a support element of said lumbar
support; a second plurality of binary values that calculate and
store in a memory register a second position and a third position
for said support element of said lumbar support, said second
position being a pre-configured distance on one side of said first
position and said third position being a pre-configured distance on
the other side of said first position; a third plurality of binary
values that compare said memory registers of said first, second and
third positions to a plurality of position indications from a
position sensor; a fourth plurality of binary values that close a
polarity switch to create a current flow driving said support
element of said lumbar support from said first position to said
second position; a fifth plurality of binary values to maintain
said support element of said lumbar support at said second position
for a pre-configured time period; a sixth plurality of binary
values that reverse said polarity switch and create a second flow
of electric current to move said support element of said lumbar
support from said second position to said third position; and a
seventh plurality of binary values to maintain said support element
of said lumbar support at said third position for a pre-configured
period of time.
53. The article of manufacture of claim 52 further comprising: an
eighth plurality of binary values that repeat movements between
said second position and said third position for a pre-configured
period of time.
54. The article of manufacture of claim 52 wherein said second
position and said third position are at least 12 millimeters
apart.
55. The article of manufacture of claim 52 wherein said storage
media is a transistor configured integrated chip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
reducing the symptoms and occurrences of muscle fatigue in a seat
occupant and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for
adjusting the position of a supporting element in a seat such as a
lumbar support.
[0005] 2. Related Art
[0006] Persons who have to remain seated for relatively long
periods of time develop symptoms of fatigue and disturbed
circulation, which as a whole have a negative effect on their
well-being, concentration, and performance. In the case of
relatively long automobile trips in particular, this is undesirable
in terms of road safety. In fact it is recommended that people take
rest breaks and engage in physical exercises every now and then,
but this cannot always be done.
[0007] Contributing factors to muscle fatigue in sedentary
individuals include decreased blood flow and oxygen, individual
muscle fiber fatigue, vertebral disk compression and, possibly the
build-up of lactic acid within the muscle fibers and surrounding
tissues. Additionally, an individual's posture gradually slumps
during prolonged periods of sitting thereby changing the curvature
of the person's spine. The prior art has recognized that some
relief from back pain is provided by manipulating the curvature of
a seat occupant's spine. Recent ergonomic studies attribute these
problems to static muscle activity, however, which is not relieved
by a static lumbar support, even with a customizable curvature. In
this regard, the present invention provides for repeated movement
of the spinal area and muscle tissues in small increments to create
a pumping action that increases blood circulation through the
muscle fibers, creates passive movement and prevents lactic acid
build-up. The periodic displacement of the spine and muscle tissues
by small movements of a lumbar supporting element have been found
to be particularly effective at reducing muscle fatigue during
prolonged periods of sitting.
[0008] As indicated above, there are many seats familiar to the art
that attempt to address the occurrence of, and symptoms related to,
muscle fatigue and disturbed circulation. More particularly, with
respect to motor-vehicle seats, massaging elements, hand-driven or
motor-driven arching elements adjustable in height and degree of
curvature have been found to be popular with seat occupants for
improving posture and comfort. More particularly, the vibrating or
massaging mechanisms known in the art directed to relieving the
muscle fatigue perceived by the seat occupant also increase blood
flow, passively move the spine and mitigate the lactic acid build
up. Whether such motion is perceptible to the seat occupant or not
depends on many variables. Early studies, such as those cited in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,816,653 and 6,007,151 indicated that movement of 6
to 10 millimeters may not be perceptible. More recent studies
indicate that many people can feel a movement of such magnitude,
although a 12 millimeter move is more readily perceived. More
importantly, recent studies reveal that the motion is beneficial
whether perceived or not, and that the benefits remain if the
motion is a desired comfortable massaging motion.
[0009] The adjustable arching supporting elements known in the art
are generally mechanical or motor driven apparatuses positionable
according to the preference of the seat occupant. Such manually
actuated systems fail to provide the repetitive and specifically
controlled positioning features of the present invention that have
been found to be particularly effective at reducing or eliminating
lactic acid build-up and muscle fatigue. Prior lumbar support
cycling devices such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,653
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,151 necessarily rely on incremental steps
understood to be imperceptible. There remains a need for combining
the benefits of passive movement with the desirable perceptible
movement in an economical, robust device.
[0010] Proprietary electromylography ergonomic studies reveal an
advantageous decrease in muscle activity with the combined massage
effect and cyclic passive motion afforded by a cyclic flexion of
variable curvature ergonomic support devices such as a lumbar
supports, especially as applied to traction actuated, archable
lumbar supports.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the above, the present invention provides an
apparatus and method for adjusting the position of a supporting
element within a seat according to a specific cycle to relieve
muscle fatigue of the seat occupant. The present invention provides
a supporting element and drive assembly having a controller adapted
to selectively position the supporting element according to a
predetermined sequence. The present invention provides a drive
assembly having a controller that periodically and repeatedly
displaces the supporting element. The present invention provides a
method for adjusting the position of a supporting element in a seat
in the manner described above.
[0012] The present invention provides a supporting element within a
vehicle seat that includes a controller for automatically adjusting
the position of the supporting element according to a predetermined
cycle. More particularly, the apparatus of the present invention is
adapted for stimulating the muscles of the seat occupant and
includes a flexible supporting element adapted to be coupled to a
seat for movement relative thereto. A driver automatically and
repeatedly moves the flexible supporting element through an
adjustment cycle that includes a movement in a first direction to a
set position followed by a movement in a second direction to
another set position. Each movement is continuous in time, and
separated by a pause before direction changes.
[0013] The method of the present invention relieves muscle fatigue
in a seat occupant by adjusting the curvature of the supporting
element and generally includes the step of placing a supporting
element in a first position operatively engaging a muscle of the
seat occupant wherein the first position defines a first degree of
curvature of the supporting element. The method includes the
additional steps of automatically adjusting the curvature of the
supporting element according to an adjustment cycle that includes
starting at the first degree of curvature, increasing or decreasing
the degree of curvature a first amount to define a second degree of
curvature, reversing movement direction from the second degree of
curvature, and increasing or decreasing the degree of curvature of
the supporting element a second amount to define a third degree of
curvature.
[0014] A method and data structure are disclosed and claimed for a
control system to achieve the cyclic motion pattern. These may be
applied to other types of ergonomic supports, such as inflatable
bladders, push paddles and flexible wire mat supports.
[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention, are described in detail below with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of a supporting element and
positioning assembly according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the supporting element shown in
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a positioning assembly
control module according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the position assembly
control module according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the control system and data
structure of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
adjusting the position of a supporting element in a seat according
to a predetermined sequence. In general, the adjustment of the
supporting element is controlled by a module that conveys an
electric current to an electric motor in a predetermined cycle to
automatically and cyclically adjust the position of the supporting
element. The periodic adjustment provided by the present invention
operates to reduce the muscle fatigue that generally occurs during
extended stationary periods in a seat and increases comfort.
Additionally, the present invention may impart a desirable massage
effect.
[0022] The following description of the present invention is merely
exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the
claimed invention. Moreover, while the invention is depicted for
use in the lumbar region of a seat, the description is intended to
adequately teach one skilled in the art to make and use the
apparatus and method described and claimed herein in a variety of
environments. The depicted alternative is a lumbar support of the
traction driven, arching support element type.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a lumbar support
10 is shown to include a flexible elastic supporting element having
a body 14 interconnecting an upper portion 16 and a lower portion
18. A positioning assembly 20 is coupled to supporting element 12
to selectively displace upper portion 16 relative to lower portion
18 thereby bowing body 14 such as is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the
preferred embodiment, positioning assembly 20 includes an electric
motor 22 coupled to drive an actuating assembly 24 that includes a
cable 25 coupled to upper and lower portions 16 and 18 of
supporting element 12 such as by attachment fitting 26 and 28,
respectively. While the embodiment of the present invention
described herein is specifically adapted for use with the two-way
or four-way electric lumbar supports manufactured by Schukra of
North America Ltd. having a place of business in Windsor, Ontario,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
supporting elements and actuating apparatuses may be used with the
present invention without departing from the proper scope of the
appended claims. For example, the supporting element may include an
inflatable membrane coupled to a pressure regulator, a push paddle,
a levered panel or a flexible wire mat.
[0024] Supporting element 12 is illustrated in FIG. 2 to be
positionable in a variety of degrees of curvature of body 14 each
defining an apex 27. As described below, apex 27 is displaceable in
a first direction indicated by arrow 30 toward the seat occupant
and in a second direction away from the seat occupant and opposite
arrow 30 by selectively increasing and decreasing, the curvature of
body 14.
[0025] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the
present invention wherein positioning assembly 20 is adapted to
change the curvature of supporting element 12 according to a
predetermined adjustment cycle. In this embodiment, positioning
assembly 20 interconnects supporting element 12 and a power source
32. As shown, positioning assembly 20 includes a coupling 34, such
as the previously described actuating assembly 24, mechanically
connecting motor 22 to supporting element 12 and a control module
36 electrically connecting motor 22 to power source 32. As is
explained in greater detail hereinafter, module 36 is adapted to
control current to motor 22 in order to selectively drive motor 22
and displace supporting element 12 according to the predetermined
adjustment cycle. Module 36 embodies the data structure and control
system of the present invention. The following description of the
components and operation of module 36 provides a general
illustration of the function and operation of the module. However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
equivalent components known in the art may be substituted for those
described below and/or the interrelationship between the components
may be modified such that module 36 communicates the same or an
equivalent current cycling control of the motor 22.
[0026] With continued reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of
controller module 36 is shown to include an activator 38, current
regulator 40, and polarity switch 42 disposed between power source
32 and motor 22. Activator 38 is illustrated as a switch
positionable between an open position preventing the flow of an
electric current from power source 32 to current regulator 40 and a
closed position wherein an electric current is communicated to
current regulator 40. In the preferred embodiment, activator 38
communicates with an input 39 (FIG. 4) with which a seat occupant
can selectively initiate and terminate the performance of the
predetermined adjustment cycle.
[0027] Cycling begins at a first position of the supporting element
selected by a seat occupant by using a separate control such as an
electrical switch or mechanical lever. Cycling oscillates between a
second position and third position each of which are equidistant
from the first position. One of the second and third positions is
forward of the first position and the other is rearward of the firs
position. Preferrably, the second position is six millimeters from
the first position, and the third position is six millimeters from
the first position in the opposite direction, for a total range of
travel of 12 millimeters. Ergonomic studies have revealed that this
configuration is preferred by surveyed seat occupants. Accordingly,
the movement pattern embodied in the data structure and control
system of the present invention is understood to represent an
optimization of combining the insensate action of passive movement
of paraspinal muscles and the spine with the sensation of a
massaging action enjoyed by surveyed seat occupants. Other ranges
of motion are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention, including ranges small enough to be imperceptible to a
seat occupant, and ranges large enough to be felt as desirable
massaging actions.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment, input 39 includes a lumbar
switch (not shown) coupled to the exterior surface of the seat. The
lumbar switch may be manipulated by the seat occupant to adjust the
position of the lumbar support by changing the curvature of
supporting element 12. In a manner known in the art, input 39 and
activator 38 are configured such that rapid actuation of the lumbar
switch initiates the adjustment cycle provided by current regulator
40 by closing activator 38 as described above. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that a variety of equivalent activating
structures such as, for example, a momentary switch may be used
without departing from the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
[0029] Current regulator 40 functions to selectively communicate an
electric current to polarity switch 42 such as by a timing circuit.
While activator 38 is in its closed position, current regulator 40
prevents the flow of an electric current to polarity switch 42
during a first time interval and communicates a current to switch
42 during a second time interval. The transition between forward
and rearward movements is controlled by polarity switch 42 and
switch controller 68.
[0030] Polarity switch 42 is of a type generally known in the art
and is adapted to selectively reverse the polarity of the electric
connection between module 36 and motor 22 so as to cycle the
movement of motor 22 in first and second directions. As
schematically illustrated in another embodiment of controller
module 36 shown in FIG. 4, polarity switch 42 communicates with a
switch controller, 78. Switch controller 78 selectively moves
polarity switch 42 from and to a first position defining a first
polarity connection between module 36 and motor 22 and moves
polarity switch 42 to and from a second position defining a second
polarity connection. As generally described above, the current
regulator 40 communicates to motor 22 through the first polarity
connection to define the first movement in the first direction.
Similarly, the second polarity connection communicates the second
movement in the second direction to motor 22. Motor 22 is coupled
to module 36 such that current controlled by the system of the
present invention drives motor 22 in a first direction and, through
mechanical coupling 34, moves supporting element 12 in the
direction indicated by arrow 30. Periodically thereafter, the
system of the present invention embodied in module 36 causes motor
22 to move apex 27 of supporting element 12 in the direction
opposite arrow 30. It should be appreciated that a variety of
electro-mechanical or software implemented polarity switches known
in the art maybe used with the present invention without departing
from the proper scope of the appended claims.
[0031] Current regulator 40 is configured to communicate an
electric current to polarity switch 42 while the support element 12
moves through a range of positions, to prevent the flow of current
during time intervals between movements. The duration of each
movement ranges from about 5 seconds to about 25 seconds. The
preferred time intervals or pauses are about three (3) seconds.
[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific
curvature adjustment is dependent upon several variables including
the specific configuration of motor 22, the firmness of the
supporting element, the amount of padding between the supporting
element and the seat occupant, and the load that the seat occupant
exerts on the supporting element. With these variables in mind, the
preferred curvature adjustment magnitude for the supporting element
is one that is sufficient to stimulate the seat occupant's muscles
proximate to the supporting element or slightly modify the posture
of the seat occupant. A first magnitude of curvature is selected by
the passenger with separate controls. The speed of movement is also
dependent in application on the variables discussed above.
[0033] It should be appreciated that it is possible to specifically
control not only the magnitude and frequency of each supporting
element curvature adjustment but also the full range of travel of
supporting element 12 that is provided by module 36. More
particularly, while again being dependent upon variables such as
the firmness of the supporting element and the amount of padding
between the supporting element and the seat occupant, the full
range of apex travel in known lumbar supports is up to fifty (50)
millimeters.
[0034] It is specifically preferred that the magnitude of each
movement of apex 27, be within the range of about twelve (12)
millimeters. This periodic movement of the occupant's muscles and
spine is generally sufficient to increase circulation and decrease
muscle fatigue that generally occurs during periods of sitting.
[0035] Switch controller 68 (FIG. 3) is adapted to change the
position of switch 42 at predetermined displacement magnitudes or
time periods thereby reversing the polarity of the connection
between module 36 and motor 22. For example, it is preferred that
module 36 includes end stops (not shown) defining the maximum and
minimum curvature displacement provided by the adjustment cycle.
Among the many options familiar to the art, end stops may include
mechanical stops preventing movement of the motor or actuator
beyond the maximum or minimum values, software implemented stops of
a similar nature, or a counter for limiting the time period for
generating current through a particular polarity. Of course, other
equivalent timing or measurement apparatuses may be used without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. The preferred end stop configuration is described
more fully below.
[0036] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that activator 38
is adapted to remain in the closed position allowing current
regulator 40 and polarity switch 42 to continually generate and
communicate current to motor 22 until the operator cancels the
adjustment cycle. It is contemplated that cancellation may occur
through manual or automatic intervention. For example, in the
preferred embodiment, manual actuation of the lumbar switch via
input 39 operates to open activator 38 thereby terminating the
adjustment cycle. Similarly, the adjustment cycle may be cancelled
after a fixed time period, for example ten minutes, when the
vehicle ignition is turned off, or any other manner known in the
art. Readjusting the initial, central, first curvature position of
the support element also stops the cycling movements. It should be
appreciated that the adjustment cycle may be reinitiated at any
time by the seat occupant such as through input 39 in the manner
previously described.
[0037] In addition to the automated supporting element adjustment
feature, the embodiment of controller module 36 shown in FIG. 4
includes a position indicator 74 communicating with motor 22 and a
memory 76. In a manner generally known in the art, position
indicator 74 is adapted to record the position of motor 22,
actuator 24, or support element 12 in a register of memory 76 upon
initiation of the adjustment cycle through activator 38 and input
39. In this embodiment, module 36 includes a controller 78 adapted
to retrieve the initial position from memory 76 and return motor
22, actuator 24, or supporting element 12 to the initial position
upon cancellation of the adjustment cycle. Accordingly, controller
78 is shown to communicate with power source 32, polarity switch
42, and memory 76 such that controller 78 may selectively position
polarity switch 42 and communicate an electric current of an
appropriate duration to return the motor 22 or other element to the
initial position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
variety of position indicating structures known in the art may be
used with the present invention, such as, for example, a
transducer, without departing from the scope of the appended
claims.
[0038] As described above, the present invention provides an
apparatus and method for adjusting the position of a supporting
element within a seat according to a predetermined cycle in order
to relieve muscle fatigue of the seat occupant. The repeated
movement of the supporting element creates a pumping action that
increases blood circulation through the muscle fibers and prevents
lactic acid build-up within the muscles. Passive motion of spine
and muscles reduces or eliminates muscle fatigue that generally
occurs during long periods of sitting. While the preferred timing
of the supporting element adjustments described and claimed herein
have been found to be particularly suitable for relieving muscle
fatigue in the present apparatus and method, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that other time intervals and adjustment
magnitudes may be used without departing from the proper scope of
the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the control system of the present
invention, as embodied in controller module 36, current regulator
40 and controller 78. The data structure represented by FIG. 5 is
stored in a machine readable format, preferably a transistor
configured integrated chip and most preferably a MC68HC705B16,
which is a Motorola 8-bit micro-controller.
[0040] Establishing steps 80 and 82 are executed manually by a seat
occupant. The passenger adjusts, 80, the position of the supporting
element 12 to a desired, comfortable position, which becomes the
first position of the cycle. The first position is also the center
of the cycle range, except in cases where the range would extend
beyond the mechanical limits of the supporting element, which is
managed by the control system in a manner more fully set out below.
If the position is not comfortable, the passenger re-adjusts it,
82. This final setting before cycling initiates the control system
to establish the relative positions at which inward movement will
stop and outward movement begin and visa versa, which position
information is monitored by position sensor 74. Position sensing is
a well known art and various sensors which may be placed in various
places on the unit are known, and known to be equivalent
alternatives.
[0041] After the desired first position is set, the passenger
presses a separate button to initiate cycling, 84. The control
system signals the motor to begin a first movement, 86, in a first
direction, which is inwards in FIG. 5. Equivalently, the first
movement could be outwards. The control system monitors the
position of the support element 12 by checking the position sensor
74. When a check of the position sensor first indicates that a
second, innermost position six millimeters from the first position
has been reached, 88, the next step of the control system, 90 is
executed. Before that second position is reached, current flow to
the motor 22 is maintained according to step 86 so that the support
element keeps moving. The second position is known from step 82,
where the first position was selected, initializing a position
representation in a memory register of the control system for all
three relevant positions.
[0042] Upon reaching the innermost (or alternatively, outermost)
second position six millimeters from the first position motion is
stopped, 88. A timer is initiated to wait three seconds, 90. This
pause to maintain a set curvature of spine and muscles corresponds
to ergonomic study results indicating the desired and beneficial
cycle parameters.
[0043] At the end of the three second pause, the polarity switch 42
is reversed and current reinitiated to motor 22 in order to start a
second movement in a second direction, 92. Again the position
sensor monitors the movement of the support element 12 to determine
if the position of it has yet matched the third position which was
initialized in step 82. The control system continues current to the
motor 22 in the second direction until the support element 12 has
moved 12 millimeters in that direction, 94. When 12 millimeters has
been traveled and the third position reached, current is again
interrupted and the timer again engaged to pause movement.
[0044] When the second pause is finished, the polarity switch 42 is
again reversed, current flow again re-initiated with the reversed
polarity and another movement in the first direction begun, 98.
Since this movement begins at the third position, which is at the
full extent of the preconfigured cycle range, instead of beginning
at the first, central position, the third movement in the first
direction must go 12 millimeters to reach the second position,
which is at the other full extent of the preconfigured cycle.
Accordingly, the control system has the third monitoring loop, 100,
for monitoring the continuing 12 millimeter back and forth
movements. Only the first movement is 6 millimeters. An option not
depicted in FIG. 5 is a final 6 millimeter move to return the
support element 12 to the original, first position after cycling
stops.
[0045] Cycling is stopped by any one of at least three events. One
is the passenger readjusting the first initial position again, as
she did at step 80. Using that control during cycling stops the
cycling, 104, and re-initiates the control system memory register
with new first, second and third position values. Turning off the
automobile also stops cycling.
[0046] Finally, the cycle is preconfigured to automatically stop
after ten minutes. The control system checks a timer at 102. If ten
minutes is not up, the cycle is continued at step 90 so that 12
millimeter moves continue. If ten minutes has been reached, the
control system stops the cycle.
[0047] It is considered to be within the scope of the present
invention that it may be used to control cycling movement of any
type of ergonomic support for automobile seats, furniture and the
like. The depicted alternative embodiment is an automobile seat
using a lumbar support of the traction actuated, arching support
element type depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is considered to be
within the scope of the present invention that it may be used to
control cycling movement of any type of lumbar support, including
push paddles, flexing wire mats, bladders and the like.
[0048] The traction actuated, arching support element type of the
depicted alternative embodiment typically has a total, mechanical
range of about 40-50 millimeters. If, for example, a lumbar support
with a 50 millimeter range is used, the passenger can set the first
position anywhere from 6 millimeters to 44 millimeters and cycling
will proceed as described above. In the following manner, the
control system of the present invention can also cycle through a
truncated range in the case of a first position setting between
zero and six millimeters and 44 and 50 millimeters, where the
normal cycle range would be interrupted by the mechanical limits of
the support element 12.
[0049] Stall sensors, 70, and their installation and use are known
to those of skill in the art. Generally, they are simple ampmeters
set to send a signal when a motor's amperage exceeds a
preconfigured limit, as in the case of a motor mechanically
prevented from further turning, as would be the case at the ends of
the total range of the depicted lumbar support. Other types of
stall sensors or position sensors indicating the ends of the total
range of the depicted lumbar support could be used within the scope
of the present invention, such as, for example, software
implemented end stops.
[0050] In the preferred end stop configuration, switch controller
68 includes a stall sensor 70 configured to detect the stalling of
motor 22 upon reaching one of the respective mechanical end stops.
In the preferred embodiment, stall sensor 70 is a current meter
communicating with polarity switch 42 and adapted to actuate switch
42 when the measured current exceeds a predetermined value. It is
contemplated that the specifications of motor 22 provide for a
running current between 0.7 and 3.0 amperes with an optimal running
current of 1.25 amps. In this configuration the stall current of
motor 22 is 6.5 to 7.0 amperes. The full travel of the motor 22,
actuator 24, or supporting element 12 to their mechanical limits is
used as the end stops.
[0051] The control system of the present invention incorporates
stall sensor feedback at steps 106, 108 and 110. When the
mechanical end of the support element 12 range stalls the motor 22,
current is stopped and movement in that direction is curtailed. As
indicated in FIG. 5, when this happens, the three second pause step
is immediately begun, and cycling continues from there with a
succeeding movement in the opposite direction. This may happen on
every cycle when the movement proceeds to a stall, resulting in a
continuing cycle that is truncated by the end of the support
element range. Travel in the opposite direction would continue to
the full extent of the six millimeters from the first position. For
example, if the first position was selected at 48 millimeters on a
50 millimeter range lumbar support, inward movement would proceed
normally to the 42 millimeter position, but outward movement would
be limited to two millimeters by the stall turn at the 50
millimeter limit. The total cycle range would be eight
millimeters.
[0052] The passenger can set only the first position of the support
element, 12. While the order of movements, range of movement,
duration of the cycling and length or existence of pauses may not
be altered by the passenger in the depicted alternative embodiment,
other embodiments wherein the passenger can control these
parameters are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention. Likewise, alternate preconfigurations of these
parameters by the manufacturer, assembler or ultimate seller of the
device or seats incorporating it are also considered to be within
the scope of the present invention.
[0053] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several
advantages of the invention are achieved and attained.
[0054] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0055] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and method herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *