Active Seating Cushion With Rigid Base for Dynamic Sitting

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional seating causes sustained mechanical stress on the body due to lack of movement, leading to discomfort and health issues such as poor posture and weakened muscles.

Innovation Solution

An active seating cushion with an elastic primary surface and a rigid base that maintains structural integrity, encouraging subtle movement and rebalancing by preventing the concave center from collapsing under weight, thus promoting dynamic sitting and reducing pressure points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sitting portion is made substantially elastic to allow deformation, then comfort is improved, but the cushion becomes too flexible and loses structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is divided into two distinct portions: an elastic sitting portion for comfort and a rigid base for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cushion have different mechanical properties - the sitting portion is elastic while the base is rigid. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the cushion is made completely rigid to maintain shape, then structural integrity is improved, but it becomes too hard and uncomfortable for sitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is divided into two distinct portions: an elastic sitting portion for comfort and a rigid base for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cushion have different mechanical properties - the sitting portion is elastic while the base is rigid. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cushion is attached to a rigid surface to prevent buckling, then stability is improved, but the bottom of the cushion may still deform under weight

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddeformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is divided into two distinct portions: an elastic sitting portion for comfort and a rigid base for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The cushion effectively reduces mechanical stress, strengthens core and back muscles, and improves circulation by maintaining the user's balance and encouraging instinctive movement, providing a more comfortable seating experience compared to traditional active seating solutions like gym balls.

Implementation Method 1

the primary surface is substantially elastic and permits some deformation through the act of sitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a less flexible center, which remains structurally resilient to deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural rigidity:

Data Source

PatentUS9609950B2Active seating cushion

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 COVELLI FABRICE

AI summary

Embodiments described herein provide a cushion with active seating capacity, the cushion having a sitting portion and a rigid material to maintain the sitting portion.