Apparatus and method for supporting an object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art cushions either deform excessively or insufficiently, leading to inefficient force distribution and the presence of peak pressure areas, failing to maintain substantial resiliency while supporting a mass.
Innovation Solution
A cushion design featuring support elements with a frustoconical first portion and a cylindrical second portion, arranged in an alternating pattern, which deform under weight to eliminate peak pressure areas and distribute force evenly, utilizing radially-extending flats for interconnected strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cushions are made more deformable to eliminate peak pressure areas, then comfort and force distribution improve, but resiliency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is segmented into multiple support elements with distinct geometric portions (frustoconical first portion and cylindrical second portion). Each portion serves a specific function: the frustoconical portion deforms to eliminate peak pressure areas and distribute force, while the cylindrical portion maintains structural integrity and resiliency. This segmentation allows the cushion to simultaneously achieve comfort through controlled deformation and reliability through maintained resiliency.
2Ease of operation
If cushions deform under weight to distribute force, then comfort improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the support elements have different geometric qualities tailored to their specific functions. The frustoconical first portion has a tapered geometry that facilitates deformation and force distribution across the cushion surface, while the cylindrical second portion has a uniform geometry that provides structural strength and maintains the cushion's overall integrity. This local differentiation of geometric quality allows simultaneous achievement of force distribution and structural integrity.
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 novel cushion design achieves substantial resiliency and effective force distribution, eliminating peak pressure areas by allowing necessary deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
deform under the weight of an object disposed on the cushion (i.e., the weight of the object) so as to eliminate peak pressure areas and evenly distribute the force resulting from the mass of the object on the cushion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for cushioning and/or supporting an object, the apparatus comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; and a plurality of support elements extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; wherein each of the plurality of support elements comprises: a first portion and a second portion; and a zone of demarcation disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first portion comprises a frustoconical body which tapers away from the zone of demarcation, wherein the second portion comprises a cylindrical body, and further wherein the plurality of support elements are arranged in an alternating pattern such that the first portion of one of the plurality of support elements is connected to the second portion of an adjacent one of the plurality of support elements.