Modular Chair Cushion Inserts for Stable Symmetrical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair cushions fail to provide sufficient and symmetrical support for users with mobility difficulties, often requiring multiple cushions that can become dislodged as the user moves, leading to discomfort and potential pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A cushion design featuring a cushion cover with removable inserts of varying densities and support spines that can be fastened to maintain the integrity and upright position of the back support, along with adjustable arm and seat inserts, and a lumbar support for customized support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cushions are arranged within a chair to provide additional support, then support for users with mobility difficulties is improved, but the cushions become dislodged as the user moves around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cushions into a single integrated cushion assembly with a common cover and interconnected filling regions. This merging ensures that all support elements move together as one unit, preventing dislodgement while maintaining reliable support for users with mobility difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cushion assembly performs multiple support functions simultaneously - providing headrest, backrest, seat, leg rest, and armrest support through different regions of the same cushion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate cushions while ensuring they remain positioned correctly relative to each other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cruciform shape is used for the cushion with headrest, backrest, seat, leg rest and armrests, then support coverage is improved, but the headrest falls to one side and does not provide symmetrical upright support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different filling densities to specific regions of the cushion - using higher density foam in the headrest and backrest areas to provide structural rigidity and maintain upright symmetry, while using lower density foam in the seat and leg rest areas for comfort. This localized differentiation of material properties ensures the headrest remains vertically aligned while providing comprehensive support coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filling is provided in a cruciform shape that can be removed and changed, then customization is improved, but the cushion requires complete reassembly and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion filling is divided into separate removable inserts that can be independently accessed through openings in the cover. Each insert can be removed and replaced without affecting the other regions, allowing customization of specific areas (headrest, backrest, seat, etc.) while leaving the rest of the cushion assembled and in use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cushion (10) for a chair, comprising a cushion cover (12) having a seat region (14), a back support region (16), a leg support region (18), and first and second arm support regions (20, 22), a plurality of independently removable inserts (34) adapted to fit within the cushion cover (12) and fastening means (24) for fastening one or more of the insert (34) to the cushion cover (12) in one or more respective desired positions within the cushion cover (12).