Smart ergonomic chair

Abstract

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomics is important because when doing a job and a body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement, musculoskeletal system is affected. The body begins to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which is the first signs of a musculoskeletal disorder. [1] The main objective of this project is to design a smart ergonomic chair that reminds the user of the chair of incase they have sat in a bad sitting posture and in case they have sat for long on the chair, they are reminded to take a break off the chair. This system consists of 4 force resistor sensors, 3 attached at the seat to align the thigh position and the backside of the user of the chair and 1 at the backrest of the chair to align the back (spinal cord of the user). It also has ultrasonic sensor that detects the head position of the user. If the head position is not within the range or angle form the head rest, a buzzer is triggered on, and the LCD displays a “bad sitting posture please adjust!” This will create the consciousness in the users to always adjust and sit properly. This helps reduce the risk that comes with a bad sitting posture like back ache, neck pain among others.