Patent Publication Number: US-2016242548-A1

Title: Automated Adjustable Seating System

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/118,920 filed on Feb. 20, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a system that automatically adjusts in order to shift weight and relieve pressure upon a person and ensuring that medical compliance protocols may be maintained. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a fully integrated system aimed at improved therapeutic outcomes. The present invention provides an automated pressure relief and weight-shifting system that is safe and compliant with standards in a variety of industries. Examples of such industries include home health care and nursing homes, where the present invention provides therapeutic value to physically, mentally, or neurologically impaired persons. 
     The present invention offers a number of benefits, one of which is the ability to prevent or help treat decubitus ulcers and other skin integrity issues. The present invention does so by automatically and programmatically shifting weight according to a provided guideline, resulting in pressure relief for a person. Said pressure relief mitigates formation of new ulcers and facilitates healing of existing ulcers. The present invention also employs a number of components that assist with medical protocol compliance by both medical personal and patients. 
     The present invention can be incorporated into a variety of specific constructions, whether during assembly or later retrofitted; it is not limited to a specific type or model of chair, stretcher, gurney, bed or similar furniture piece. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration showing a sitting platform of the present invention being tilted rearwards. 
         FIG. 2  is another illustration showing the sitting platform being tilted rearwards. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration showing a back support of the present invention being reclined backwards. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration showing both the sitting platform and the back support being adjusted. 
         FIG. 5  is another illustration showing both the sitting platform and the back support being adjusted, along with a potential adjustable foot support. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration showing a rotated possible adjustable foot support along with an inclined back support. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing electronic and mechanical components of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a shifted diagram showing electronic and mechanical components of the present invention, including alternative placement for a control module. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing electronic connections of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is an automated adjustable seating system that enables shifting of a user&#39;s weight. Shifting position while sitting is advantageous in a number of situations, for example medical care or assisted living where ulcers (colloquially referred to as bed sores) develop due to patients spending extended periods of time in the same position. In order to enable said shifting, the present invention comprises a base  1 , a seat  2 , an orientation-adjusting system  3 , a control module  4 , a sensor system  5 , an orientation feedback system  6 , and a power source  7 .  FIG. 1 - FIG. 9  provide an example implementation of the present invention. 
     The base  1  serves as a bottom part of the present invention, supporting the other components. While the term base  1  is used throughout this document the base  1  is interchangeable with a frame, as is used by some existing chairs and similar apparatuses to support a person. The seat  2  provides an ergonomic support for a person. The orientation-adjusting system  3  allows for the position of the seat  2  to be changed, in order to shift the weight of a person resting on the present invention. The control module  4  directs the orientation-adjusting system  3 , engaging the orientation-adjusting system  3  based on a set of parameters. The sensor system  5  monitors the immediate surroundings, providing data that helps determine when it is safe and desirable to engage the orientation-adjusting system  3  in order to shift weight, and will automatically interrupt movement if movement might result in contact with object or caregiver; issuing a warning indication until all possible obstructions or clearance issues have been resolved. 
     The orientation feedback system  6  monitors the active position of the seat  2 ; this data is used by the control module  4  in combination with data from the sensor system  5  to help ensure that the desired amount of shifting is implemented. The desired amount of shifting is determined and input by a professional and can be adapter on the fly, with the corresponding instructions being sent to the control module  4  for processing. The power source  7  provides the necessary energy for operation of the present invention. 
     Describing these core components in more detail, the seat  2  is positioned above the base  1 . To enable shifting of the seat  2  relative to the base  1 , the orientation-adjusting system  3  is connected between the seat  2  and the base  1 , or alternatively in any manner that provides the desired movement. The sensor system  5  is adjacently connected to the seat  2 , allowing it to monitor the area around the seat  2 . The sensor system  5  is also electronically connected to the control module  4 ; the control module  4  is thus able to use the sensor system  5  to determine if it safe to initiate or continue shifting of the seat  2  by monitoring the surroundings for potential hazards. The control module  4  is electronically connected to the orientation-adjusting system  3 , allowing the control module  4  to send commands to said orientation-adjusting system  3  (provided the sensor system  5  indicates it is safe to do so). The orientation-adjusting module is electronically connected to the orientation-feedback system, allowing for the shifts caused by the orientation-adjusting module to be quantified and tracked by the orientation feedback system  6 . The orientation feedback system  6  is electronically connected to the control module  4 , allowing for the control module  4  to be provided with up-to-date information regarding a shifted position of the seat  2 . The power source  7  is electrically connected with the orientation-adjusting system  3 , allowing for the orientation-adjusting system  3  to be engaged upon direction of the control module  4 . 
     It is noted that the ability of the control module  4  is able to receive data regarding the immediate environment, including but not limited to temperature, moisture, shear forces, and pressure forces, of the seat  2  as well as the current position of the seat  2  is an important concept of the present invention. The example environmental factors are of particular interest as they are the primary contributors to formation of ulcers; tracking associated data is beneficial for providing feedback for a health professional and preventing formation of ulcers. The received data is used by the control module  4  to initiate position adjustments in a safe and controlled manner. Data may be transmitted and recorded through a number of mediums, examples including WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, and further transmission methods. Further the concept includes an ability of the system to record and transmit such data via WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular and other transmission methods. 
     The control module  4  itself may be housed within the seat  2 ; preferably the control module  4  is positioned such that it does not negatively impact ergonomics of the seat  2 . Alternatively, the control module  4  could be adjacently connected external to the seat  2  or connected to the base  1 . Ultimately, the placement of the control module  4  can be altered in different embodiments of the present invention as long as its electronic and electrical connections are maintained. 
     Potentially, a communications module  8  may also be provided as part of the present invention. The communications module  8  allows for external devices to be coupled to the present invention. The communications module  8  is electronically connected to the control module  4 , allowing for data from the control module  4  to be passed to an external device. To facilitate such, an input port, output port, or both can provided as part of the communications module  8 . The input port allows for a direct connection (e.g. through a cable) between the communications module  8  and an external device. The communications module  8  can also utilize wireless technology (a common example being Bluetooth) to allow for data transfer without requiring cable. The communications module  8  is preferably integrated with the control module  4 , i.e. positioned on the same circuit board. Resultantly, the position of the communications module  8  corresponds to that of the control module  4 , whether housed within the seat  2 , adjacently mounted to the seat  2 , or adjacently mounted to the base  1 . 
     Describing the adjustable properties of the present invention in more detail, the seat  2  comprises a sitting platform  21  and a back support  22 . An edge  23  of the back support  22  is positioned adjacent to and parallel with an edge  23  of the sitting platform  21 . The sitting platform  21  receives a person&#39;s posterior while the back support  22  provides an ergonomic body upon which a user can rest their back. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sitting platform  21  is able to tilt relative to the base  1 . In another embodiment, the back support  22  is able to recline relative to the sitting platform  21 . In a third embodiment, these features are combined, with the sitting platform  21  being able to tilt relative to the base  1  and the back support  22  being able to recline relative to the sitting platform  21 . Each component of the seat  2  can be adjusted to help shift weight of a user and resultantly relieve pressure. In support of this, the orientation-adjusting system  3  comprises a tilt platform  31  and a reclining mechanism  32 . The tilt platform  31  allows for shifting of the sitting platform  21  while the reclining mechanism  32  allows for shifting of the back support  22 . The sitting platform  21  can thus be tilted relative to the base  1  while the back support  22  can be inclined relative to the sitting platform  21 . These components can be adjusted independently or in conjunction with each other, as subsequently elaborated upon. 
     The tilt platform  31  is adjacently and tiltably connected to the base  1 . The sitting platform  21  is mounted onto the tilt platform  31 ; as a result, any movement of the tilt platform  31  results in corresponding movement of the sitting platform  21 . The back support  22  can be hingedly connected to the sitting platform  21  by the reclining mechanism  32 . The back support  22  can thus be shifted relative to and independent of the sitting platform  21 . Preferably, the tilt platform  31  allows for tilting about a single axis, with the sitting platform  21  being able to tilt forwards and backwards. Potentially, the tilt platform  31  can tilt along two or more axes (e.g. coplanar and perpendicular ones) allowing for the sitting platform  21  to be tilted to the front, rear, and side to side. 
     Shifting of the sitting platform  21  and the back support  22 , as directed by the control module  4 , relieves pressure on parts of the user&#39;s body. However, to effectively reduce pressure a minimum amount of shift must occur; this minimum shift is different depending on which components are being adjusted. These different scenarios are described below. It is noted that the minimum shift is a therapeutic angle results in a therapeutic benefit, the specific value of which may differ depending on patient and the specific implementation of the present invention. The shift angles described below are only examples and do not limit shifts of the present invention. 
     In one scenario pressure relief is provided solely by tilting of the sitting platform  21  relative to the base  1 . Provided a first therapeutic angle  9  is, for example, 20 degrees, the tilt platform  31  must be capable of tilting the sitting platform  21  relative to the base  1  by a minimum of 20 degrees. Shifting of the sitting platform  21  only is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     In another scenario, pressure relief is instead provided by inclining the back support  22  relative to the sitting platform  21 . As this results in a different redistribution of weight than the aforementioned scenario, there exists a second therapeutic angle for significant pressure relief. In this scenario, the reclining mechanism  32  must be capable of inclining the back support  22  relative to the sitting platform  21  by an example minimum of 15 degrees. Shifting of the back support  22  rather than the sitting platform  21  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     In a third scenario, pressure relief is obtained by adjusting both the sitting platform  21  and the back support  22 . As adjustment of both components results in a greater redistribution of weight, the minimum amount of shift for each component is less than in the previous scenarios where only the sitting platform  21  or only the back support  22  is adjusted. Resultantly, in this scenario the orientation-adjusting system  3  only needs to be capable of shifting each component by the respective first therapeutic angle  9  and second therapeutic angle  10 . That is, the sitting platform  21  must be tilted relative to the base  1  by (for example) 10 or more degrees while the back support  22  must be inclined relative to the sitting platform  21  by (for example) 10 or more degrees. Shifting of both the sitting platform  21  and the back support  22 , along with a potential foot support, is illustrated in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
     Greater shifts (e.g. 30 degree) can be taken; the above only lists a minimum shift for effective pressure relief. Ultimately, the present invention can be shifted to greater numbers according to the capabilities of the orientation-adjusting system  3 . Shifts of greater than the above are possible and encouraged to be customized for individual persons. 
     While the orientation-adjusting system  3  allows for the present invention to be shifted for the goal of pressure relief, other components are needed to verify that shifts are safe and desirable before they are undertaken. It is for this purpose that the sensor system  5  and the orientation feedback system  6  are provided. The sensor system  5  is able to monitor a number of factors, two notable ones being the presence of a person in the seat  2  and the presence of any obstacles in the immediate area of the seat  2 . The ability to detect the presence of a user is desirable as shifts become unnecessary when the seat  2  is empty, especially given that the present invention is automated (as opposed to using manual position adjustments). Detection of a person also improves safety of the present invention, as it helps to ensure shifts are only taken when necessary, e.g. when the seat  2  is occupied. The ability to detect obstacles is important as they could impair proper shifting or even cause injury to a person in the seat  2 ; for example, it would be unadvisable to incline the back support  22  in a rearwards direction if a cart or person is immediately behind the back support  22 . Damage could also be caused to people or objects in the surroundings. 
     To address the first of the two listed factors, the sensor system  5  comprises a user-detecting sensor  51 . The user-detecting sensor  51  is mounted into the seat  2 , where it ideally positioned to sense the presence of a person in the seat  2 . The specific implementation of the user-detecting sensor  51  and the means by which it senses a physical presence can vary with different embodiments of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the user-detecting sensor  51  is a scale embedded within the sitting platform  21  of the seat  2 . If a weight greater than a predetermined threshold is measured by said scale, then a user is determined to be sitting in the seat  2 . In a variant of this scale, a weight-sensitive on/off switch could be integrated into the present invention. The on/off switch would only be triggered to an “on” position provided sufficient force, i.e. resulting from a user on the sitting platform  21 . As another example, the user-detecting sensor  51  is a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor detects presence of a user by measuring an increase in temperature that is caused by body heat. These are just a few examples of how the user-detecting sensor  51  can be implemented, and do not preclude the use of other possible devices for the user-detecting sensor  51 . 
     To address the second of the two listed factors, the sensor system  5  comprises a plurality of obstruction sensors  52 . The obstruction sensors  52  are positioned around the seat  2 , such that they are capable of detecting any obstruction in the field of movement of the seat  2 . For example, provided the seat  2  can be angled forward and backwards, the obstruction sensors  52  monitor the front and rear vicinities around the seat  2 . Each of the plurality of obstruction sensors  52  are mounted to the seat  2  or base  1 , providing them with a clear line of effect for detecting obstacles or similar obstructions. As with the user-detecting sensor  51 , the different embodiments of the present invention can use different means for the plurality of obstructions sensors. For example, proximity sensors (themselves which use a variety of technologies) can be used to monitor the region around the seat  2 ; any physical objects within an effective range of the proximity sensors are registered and a notification is passed to the control module  4 . Upon receiving the notification the control module  4  knows to belay any shifts of the seat  2  that would result in a collision with a surrounding object. The proximity sensor is just one example of a possible obstruction sensor; other possibilities remain possible within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention an alarm module  12  is integrated with the control module  4 . The alarm module  12  receives data from the sensor system  5 , allowing for an alarm to be triggered by predetermined parameters. For example, an alarm might be set off if the user leaves the seat  2  or if an obstruction is detected in the vicinity of the seat  2 . 
     The orientation feedback system  6 , previously introduced, allows the control module  4  to track the position status of the seat  2 . This allows the control module  4  to review a current tilt and shift of the sitting platform  21  and the back support  22  before engaging in additional shifts. In one embodiment the orientation feedback system  6  comprises at least one orientation sensor  61  which is housed in the seat  2 . Preferably, individual orientation sensors  61  are provided for each adjustable portion of the seat  2 , e.g. the sitting platform  21  and the back support  22 . The specific implementation of the orientation sensor  61  can vary with different embodiments of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention a gyroscope is utilized to track motion of the seat  2 . The gyroscope is housed in the seat  2 , allowing for a real time position (e.g. tilt) of the seat  2  to be relayed to the control module  4 . In another embodiment, the orientation feedback system  6  employs a Global Positioning System (GPS) device for monitoring orientation of the seat  2 . The GPS device monitors the physical coordinates of the seat  2 ; physical coordinates are logged to allow changes (e.g. tilting of the seat  2 ) to be tracked and relayed to the control module  4 . 
     The orientation feedback system  6  also can comprise an at least one motion sensor  62 , which is housed within the seat  2 . Parallel to the orientation sensor  61 , it is preferable for an individual motion sensor  62  to be provided for each adjustable component of the seat  2 . The individual motion sensor  62  can be used to track velocity (i.e. speed and direction) of shifts of the present invention. A number of specific sensors can be used for this purpose, one example of which is an accelerometer. 
     In an another embodiment, the orientation feedback system  6  instead is connected into the orientation-adjusting system  3 . The orientation feedback system  6  can then be calibrated relative to the orientation-adjusting system  3 ; movements of the orientation-adjusting system  3  can be automatically calculated by the orientation feedback system  6  to determine a new position relative to an old position. Other means of tracking positional shifts are possible beyond the two example embodiments formerly described. 
     The data provided by the orientation sensor  61  and the motion sensor  62  can be used by the control module  4  to ensure that the position of an adjusted seat  2  matches that of a requested input. These sensors also help to ensure that adjustments are made smoothly at reasonable and safe speeds. 
     The present invention also allows for integrated recording of shifts (e.g. tilts and inclines of the seating platform and the back support  22 ). The present invention comprises a data storage unit  11  which is communicably coupled with the orientation feedback system  6 . Every time the orientation-adjusting system  3  imparts movement to the seat  2 , said movement is recorded to the data storage unit  11 . Potentially, an external data storage unit  11  could be used; in such an embodiment the communications port allows for recorded data from the orientation feedback system  6  to be saved externally. 
     In addition to utilizing information gathered by the sensor system  5  and the orientation feedback system  6 , the control module  4  allows for specific automated shifting programs to be loaded and run for the present invention. A number of parameters can be set by the program. For example, the program can determine the interval between automated shifts, perhaps every 30 minutes or every 60 minutes. While the specific duration between shifts is not restricted by the present invention, the duration between each shift can be inversely proportional to the extent of the shift. Put more simply, shifts of larger angles require less time between shifts to be effective; conversely, shifts of smaller angles require a greater time between shifts to be effective. The program can also set a limit on acceleration, i.e. how quickly the seat  2  moves from a first position to a second position. Controlling acceleration is beneficial when rapid movements could be disruptive for a user, for example when a person sitting in the seat  2  suffers from dementia. The control module  4  also is used to ensure that shifts do not exceed a predetermined safe maximum, the specific maximum being variable according to different constructions of the present invention. For example, a “maximum” shift might be determined to be one in which a user end up laying in a supine position, with the back support  22  having been rotated 90 degrees. The maximum safe shift accounts for both tilting of the seat  2  and reclining of the back support  22 , depending on which are adjustable in a given embodiment of the present invention. 
     Potentially, additional functionality beyond adjustments can be provided through the provided components of the present invention. For example, beyond simply using the obstruction sensors  52  to determine the presence of proximal objects, the control module  4  could use said information to inform a person of the location of such an obstruction. Continuing with this example, if a table is located behind the present invention, the obstruction sensor would detect the table and inform the use of an object being behind the seat  2 ; the user could then easily move the present invention so that the obstruction is no longer present. By using descriptive language as such, the present invention helps users to better address obstructions and other issues. 
     Information related to adjustments of the present invention, e.g. current tilt, recline, moisture levels, and so, could be returned to a third party in real time via the communications module  8 . Data can be transferred to a variety of devices with the appropriate capabilities, e.g. devices with the Apple operating system or Google&#39;s Android operating system. The third party, for example a therapist, can review the live data and check on a patient. The therapist is thus able to make adjustments to the programming according to the real time data, maximizing the therapeutic value of the present invention. Such adjustments can be even be made through voice commands. The communications module  8  could also be used to control relevant local devices, e.g. ambient lighting, heating, air conditioning, entertainment devices, and more. Resultantly, not only is a therapist able to implement an automated therapeutic program for a patient through use of the present invention, the therapist can also make live adjustments to the patient&#39;s environment on the fly. 
     The programming for the control module  4  can also set a range of motion. Sometimes it may be desirable for smaller shifts than the orientation-adjusting system  3  is capable of, e.g. angling the back support  22  by 30 degrees rather than by a maximum 70 degrees. These numbers (chosen arbitrarily for this specific example and not meant to restrict the range of the present invention) can be input to artificially restrain the amount of shifting that is allowed for the present invention. 
     The present invention is not limited to the component described above; in one possible embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , an additional adjustable leg rest is provided. This allows for increased control in weight shifting by providing a third adjustable component. Further embodiments can introduce additional adjustable components, for example arm rests. Another possibility is the addition of sensors beyond the sensors introduced thus far; the present invention can comprise environmental sensors such as lighting sensors, weather sensors, and biometric sensors. Control software can also be provided for the purpose of programming and operating the present invention. As an example, the control software comprises an authentication suite, a component suite, a preference suite, and an interface suite. Some of the suites comprise a number of engines; the component suite comprises a sensor engine, an actuator engine, and a controller engine. The interference suite comprises a programming engine, a compliance engine, and a communication engine. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.