Column-Core Cushion Structure for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushions lack effective pressure equalization and shock absorption, often resulting in high pressure points and discomfort, particularly in applications like mattresses and seat cushions, due to the inability to redistribute pressure and absorb shocks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a plurality of core structures made from deformable polymer materials, specifically gel or foam, configured as columns with a support material that differs in composition, allowing each core structure to buckle under pressure and redistribute load, thereby providing improved pressure equalization and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cushion materials (polymeric foams, gels) are used, then the cushion provides basic support, but it fails to effectively redistribute pressure and absorb shocks, resulting in pressure hotspots and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple discrete core structures (columns) that are individually surrounded by support material. Each core structure acts as an independent pressure redistribution unit, allowing localized pressure equalization without requiring complex overall structural changes. This segmentation enables effective pressure hotspots reduction while maintaining a relatively simple overall cushion design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support material immediately surrounding each core structure has different properties than the core structure itself, creating localized zones optimized for pressure redistribution. The core structures provide shock absorption while the surrounding support material provides structural stability, with each zone performing its specific function to collectively eliminate pressure hotspots.
2Stability of the object's composition
If core structures are interconnected to multiple neighbors, then structural stability improves, but pressure redistribution capability decreases due to restricted buckling motion
Solution Approach 1:
Each core structure is isolated from most neighbors by individual support material surrounds, allowing independent buckling motion for pressure redistribution. Limited connections (to no more than two other core structures) provide minimal structural stability while preserving the majority of each core structure's ability to buckle and redistribute pressure locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between core structures is intentionally limited to partial action (no more than two connections per core structure). This partial connectivity provides just enough structural stability to maintain cushion integrity while allowing sufficient freedom for each core structure to buckle and perform pressure redistribution functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If core structures are allowed to buckle freely, then shock absorption improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each core structure is individually surrounded by support material that acts as an independent containment structure. This segmentation allows each core structure to buckle freely for shock absorption without compromising the overall structural integrity of the cushion, as the support material surrounding each core provides localized structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support material surrounding each core structure serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the core structure's buckling motion and the overall cushion structure. It allows the core structure to buckle for shock absorption while the support material maintains structural integrity, transferring loads appropriately without restricting the core structure's shock-absorbing motion.
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
This configuration effectively reduces pressure hotspots, enhances comfort by distributing pressure evenly, and improves shock absorption and vibration attenuation, leading to better support and alignment for users.
Implementation Method 1
Each core structure of the plurality of core structures is configured to buckle within a recess of the plurality of recesses in the unitary body of deformable polymer foam when compressed along the column axis of the core structure to a pressure beyond a threshold pressure level
Implementation Method 2
Each core structure of the plurality of core structures comprises a gel material
Implementation Method 3
The support material comprises a unitary body of deformable polymer foam
Data Source
AI summary
Cushions include a plurality of core structures and a support material at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures. The core structures and support material comprise different deformable polymer materials. Each of the core structures may be configured as a column having a column axis. Methods of forming cushions include forming a plurality of core structures, and at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures with a support material comprising a second, different deformable polymer material. The core structures may be configured such that each core structure is integrally interconnected along a length thereof to no more than two other core structures of the plurality of core structures.