Programmable Air-Bladder Seat Cushion for DVT-Aware Sitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged sitting in uncomfortable airline seats increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) due to poor blood circulation and inadequate seat customization, as existing solutions like leg rests and seat cushions are not tailored to individual body physiology and often require seat replacement, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A portable, intelligent ergonomically adjustable body-seat cushion that uses air bladders and wireless control via a smartphone app to adjust the user's position based on anthropometric and seat measurements, alleviating pressure, increasing blood flow, and distributing weight evenly, while being lightweight and easy to transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airline seats are replaced with more comfortable designs, then passenger comfort and blood circulation improve, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the seat replacement function into two independent components: the existing airline seat structure remains in place, while a portable body-seat cushion provides the necessary ergonomic support and space utilization. This segmentation allows the health benefits to be achieved without the high cost of replacing entire seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable body-seat cushion acts as an intermediary device between the passenger and the existing airline seat. It utilizes vertical space above the passenger and under the seat in front, creating a buffer zone that enables proper body positioning without modifying the original seat structure.
2Productivity
If seat pitch is reduced to increase passenger capacity, then airline profitability improves, but available legroom and comfortable seating position decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal space utilization to vertical space utilization. By using the vertical dimension (space above the passenger and under the front seat), the system enables comfortable positioning without requiring increased horizontal legroom, thus allowing reduced seat pitch while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The body-seat cushion incorporates adjustable air bladders that can be inflated or deflated to dynamically adapt to different seat configurations and passenger needs. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the cushion to provide optimal support regardless of the reduced seat pitch conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing seats are used without modification, then cost is minimized, but blood circulation and blood flow are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The portable body-seat cushion is designed to be self-contained with its own air compression device and control system. It autonomously adjusts the air bladder pressure to maintain proper body positioning and prevent circulation issues, without requiring modifications to the airline seat or external infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the seating arrangement by introducing adjustable air bladders that modify the support characteristics. By controlling air pressure, the system dynamically adjusts body positioning to prevent harmful compression of blood vessels while using standard airline seats.
4Device complexity
If manual seat adjustment is used, then device complexity is minimized, but customization to individual body physiology is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the user's seating position and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the air bladders are automatically adjusted to achieve optimal body alignment tailored to the individual user's physiology, rather than relying on manual adjustment alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable body-seat cushion is designed to accommodate a wide range of body types and seat configurations through its adjustable air bladder system. The same device can be used by different passengers with different physiological characteristics, providing customized support without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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 solution effectively reduces discomfort and risk of DVT and PE by providing customizable support and improving circulation, utilizing available space, and offering a cost-effective alternative to replacing airline seats, while being portable and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
multiple air bladders embedded in the body-seat cushion inflate/deflate at the direction of the app to manipulate the physical position of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a portable, intelligent, ergonomically adjustable body-seat cushion controlled wirelessly via a smartphone or tablet app. Multiple air bladders embedded in the body-seat cushion inflate/deflate at the direction of the app to manipulate the physical position of the user's neck, back, posterior, legs, and feet in order to: (1) alleviate pressure on the back and sit-bones; (2) lengthen the user from a normal sitting position to a lengthened sitting position; and (3) increase blood flow to the user's extremities. Positioning algorithms in the app use the user's anthropometric data (body measurements) and seat measurements (including available space above and in front of the seat) to generate one or more air bladder fill instructions to lengthen the user. The app then wirelessly transmits the positioning instructions as well as optional motion, temperature, and vibration instructions to one or more wireless receivers in the seat cushion.