Cushions including buckling columns with a plurality of buckling points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushions with interconnected walls defining buckling columns buckle at a single location, leading to uncomfortable pressure and potential damage due to continuous application of force beyond the buckling point.
Innovation Solution
Designing cushions with a plurality of buckling points along the height of each wall, allowing for multiple buckling locations to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cushions with single buckling point are used, then the cushion structure is simple, but the interface pressure is concentrated causing discomfort and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single buckling point into multiple buckling points along the height of the buckling column. Each buckling point can independently buckle at different elevations, segmenting the pressure distribution and preventing concentration at a single location. This directly addresses the harmful interface pressure concentration while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local properties along the buckling column by varying wall thickness at different elevations. The wall thickness is designed to be greater near the base and decrease toward the top, creating zones with different buckling characteristics. This allows different portions of the cushion to respond differently to applied loads, distributing pressure more evenly across the interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple buckling points are implemented, then pressure distribution is improved, but the wall thickness variation increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the wall thickness parameter along the height of the buckling column to create multiple buckling points. By controlling the thickness gradient (greater at base, decreasing toward top), the design achieves multiple buckling elevations without requiring complex assembly. This parameter change approach transforms a potentially complex multi-component structure into a manufacturable monolithic or segmented element with controlled geometric variation.
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 multiple buckling points effectively distribute pressure, reducing discomfort and potential damage by allowing the buckling columns to buckle at different elevations under varying loads, thereby minimizing interface pressure.
Implementation Method 1
Buckling reduces interface pressures between a subject and the cushion. Each buckling point may be located at a defined elevation along the height of the wall. Each buckling point of a cushion and its buckling columns may be located at an intermediate location, or elevation, within a corresponding region of the wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A cushion includes interconnected walls that define an array of buckling columns. Each buckling column of the array of buckling columns includes a plurality of buckling points at different elevations along a height of the buckling column. The buckling points buckle under different loads. Methods of designing cushions with a plurality of buckling points are also disclosed.