Device and method for adapting the contour of a back element to the posture of a person

A device comprising:

• a seat element and a back element connected to the seat element in a tiltable way, for accommodating a sitting or lying person and for adapting a contour of the back element to a posture of the person, and a control unit,
• wherein the seat element includes at least one bearing pressure sensor connected to the control unit for measuring an actual bearing pressure distribution exerted by the person,
• wherein the back element includes at least one first actuating element connected to the control unit for changing the contour of the back element, and
• wherein the control unit is programmed:
• to select a predetermined posture and at least one characteristic target posture parameter matching the predetermined posture,
• to calculate an actual posture parameter from the actual bearing pressure distribution measured by the bearing pressure sensor and to compare the actual posture parameter with the target posture parameter, and
• if the actual posture parameter matches the target posture parameter, to actuate the first actuating element in such a way as to adapt the contour of the back element to the posture of the person.

A method of adapting a contour of a back element to the posture of a person, wherein a person is accommodated in a posture on a seat element connected to the back element, especially in a tiltable way, comprising the following steps:

• a) selecting a predetermined posture and at least one characteristic target posture parameter allocated to the predetermined posture,
• b) measuring the actual bearing pressure distribution,
• c) determining an actual posture parameter from the actual bearing pressure distribution,
• d) comparing the actual posture parameter with the selected target posture parameter,
• e) repeating steps b)-d) until a match of the actual posture parameter with the target posture parameter is determined, and
• f) if the actual posture parameter matches the target posture parameter:
• adapting the contour of the back element to the posture of the person.