Collapsible layered cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushions, particularly in camping, military, and hospital applications, are difficult to clean, retain fluids, and cause pressure points due to increasing resistance to deflection, leading to discomfort and potential fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
A layered cushion design comprising a foam layer, a void cell layer, a separation layer, and a cover that allows the foam layer to collapse at a lower pressure than the void cell layer, enabling easy cleaning and reducing pressure points through fluid permeability and fire-resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional foam mattresses are used to provide comfort, then cushioning is provided, but they retain fluids and trap particles making them difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple removable layers including a cover, foam layer, and void cell layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently removed and cleaned, preventing fluid retention and particle trapping that occur in conventional single-piece mattresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The void cell layer incorporates a porous structure with interconnected cells that allow fluids and particles to pass through rather than being trapped. This porous material enables the mattress to drain fluids effectively while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If portable cushions are designed to maximize transportability, then they can be easily moved, but they cause pressure points due to increasing resistance to deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress structure transitions from a rigid conventional design to a dynamic layered system where the void cell layer can collapse and expand. This dynamic behavior allows the mattress to adapt to user body contours, distributing pressure evenly rather than creating pressure points at shoulders and hips.
Solution Approach 2:
The void cell layer changes its structural parameters (collapsed vs. expanded state) to optimize performance. When collapsed, it provides a soft surface that conforms to the body; when expanded, it provides support while maintaining even pressure distribution through its cellular structure.
3Strength
If conventional mattresses use coupled cells or springs for support, then structural support is provided, but resistance to deflection increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into separate functional layers: the foam layer provides initial cushioning, while the void cell layer provides structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without the increasing resistance problem of coupled springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress combines different materials (foam and void cell structure) with complementary properties. The foam provides viscoelastic cushioning while the void cell layer provides structural support with constant force characteristics, creating a composite system that avoids the disadvantages of single-material designs.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional mattresses are designed for durability, then they can be reused, but they are flammable and susceptible to fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties are changed to achieve fire resistance while maintaining durability. The void cell layer uses fire-retardant materials and the cover incorporates fire-resistant fabric, changing the thermal and combustion parameters of the mattress system to eliminate fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress uses composite construction with fire-resistant materials in the void cell layer and cover, combined with durable foam. This composite approach maintains reusability and durability while incorporating fire safety properties that conventional single-material mattresses lack.
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 design provides a comfortable, durable, and easily cleanable cushion that reduces pressure points and minimizes fire risks, allowing for repeated use and hygiene in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the foam layer substantially collapses at a lower pressure than the void cell layer
Implementation Method 2
a fluid permeable foam layer; a fluid permeable void cell layer
Data Source
AI summary
A layered cushion that may be fully disassembled for easy cleaning is disclosed herein. The sleep system is durable and fire retardant. The layered cushion may include a foam layer, a layer of void cells, and a cover. The foam permits fluids to move freely there through and contours to a user's body to maximize comfort and reduce interface pressure. The reticulated foam layer resists compression set and thermosetting. The layer of void cells also permits fluids to move freely there through and provide additional support to the user's body. The individual void cells of the void cell layer are perforated to allow the transmission of fluids there through. The cover couples the other layers together to form the layered cushion and prevents the layers from deteriorating. The cover is removable to permit cleaning each of the layers independently.