Contoured Multi-Layer Person Support for Uniform Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supports, such as flat cushions or mattresses, cause uneven pressure distribution on the body, leading to discomfort and potential pressure sores, and similarly, non-uniform force transmission can damage fragile objects during storage or transport.
Innovation Solution
A person support system featuring multiple layers with contoured surface topography that conforms to the shape of the body, including a resilient layer to distribute pressure evenly, such as foam, gel, or 3D fabric, to accommodate variations in body shape and size, and optionally includes a low air loss system with transverse passageways for airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat cushion or mattress surface is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure distribution on the body becomes uneven, causing discomfort and pressure sores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by providing a contoured layer with a surface topography that generally follows the shape of a person's body. The contoured layer includes regions with different curvatures (first curvature in the longitudinal direction, second curvature in the lateral direction) that correspond to different body parts, enabling uniform pressure distribution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molded foam or similar materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a contoured surface with multiple curvatures is used, then pressure distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the support surface by incorporating specific curvature radii (first curvature radius in the longitudinal direction, second curvature radius in the lateral direction) that match anthropometric data of human bodies. This parameter optimization enables uniform pressure distribution while the curvatures are designed within manufacturable ranges for foam molding and similar processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a contoured layer (with complex surface topography) and a base layer (providing structural support). The contoured layer can be made from foam material with specific density and elasticity characteristics, while the base layer provides mechanical strength. This composite approach distributes the complexity across different functional layers, making the overall system manufacturable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a resilient layer with body-conforming shape is used, then comfort and pressure distribution are improved, but the weight and volume of the support increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a contoured layer where different regions have different curvature characteristics tailored to specific body parts. The surface topography includes regions with first curvature along the longitudinal axis and second curvature along the lateral axis, with each region's curvature optimized for the corresponding body anatomy. This localized curvature variation achieves uniform pressure distribution without requiring excessive material thickness, thereby controlling weight.
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 provides improved comfort by uniformly distributing pressure, reducing the risk of pressure sores and damage to fragile objects by matching the support surface to the body's shape, ensuring consistent pressure distribution and accommodating different body sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient layer having an upper side with a surface topography. In an uncompressed state, the surface topography has a shape to generally follow the shape of at least a portion of a person's body
Implementation Method 2
the resilient second layer comprises a compressible layer to accommodate variations in the shapes and sizes of persons lying or sitting on the person support
Data Source
AI summary
A person support for supporting a person includes a first layer and a resilient second layer. The first layer has a surface topography with a first region with a curvature configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a first portion of a person's body. The surface topography has a second region configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a second portion of a person's body. The resilient second layer overlays the first layer and forms a person support surface.