Drainable Cushion Cover Structure for Washable Outdoor Cushions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cushions are prone to stains, damage, and volume changes when cleaned, and replacing them can be costly and difficult due to size and shape matching issues, especially when fashion trends change or when damaged by weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular design comprising a cushion cover and insert, where the cover promotes drying and draining through openings, allowing for easy cleaning and customization of the cover without affecting the insert's shape, and interchangeable covers and inserts for different weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If cushions are cleaned in a washing machine, then stains and dirt are removed, but the cushion experiences volume reduction and shape change resulting in loss of attractive appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestains and dirtVSAvoidcushion shape and volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is divided into two separable components: a removable cushion cover and an insert. The cover can be taken off and machine-washed separately without affecting the insert, thus eliminating the harmful effects of washing on the cushion's shape and volume while still allowing cleaning of the stained portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion cover is extracted as a separate removable component from the insert. This allows the cover to be removed for washing while the insert remains intact, preventing the insert from undergoing volume reduction and shape change that would occur if the entire cushion were washed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new cushions are purchased to match changing fashion trends, then updated appearance is achieved, but high cost and complexity of replacement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefashion trend adaptabilityVSAvoidreplacement cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the cushion into a reusable insert and a replaceable cover, users can update the cover independently to match new fashion trends. This allows aesthetic updates without replacing the entire cushion, significantly reducing cost and complexity compared to purchasing new cushions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is recovered and reused while only the cover is discarded and replaced when fashion trends change. This selective replacement strategy reduces waste and cost by maintaining the functional insert while updating only the aesthetic cover component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Shape

If replacement cushions are sought to match damaged cushions, then appearance consistency is maintained, but difficulty in finding matching shape and size occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushion shape and size matchingVSAvoidreplacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is segmented into a standardized insert and a customizable cover. The insert maintains consistent shape and size specifications that can be easily replicated, while the cover can be custom-made to match the original design. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process by allowing precise reproduction of the insert dimensions while customizing the cover appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If cushion covers are made fully enclosed, then protection from elements is improved, but drying and draining capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from spills, rain, and elementsVSAvoiddrying and draining performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion cover incorporates localized openings or perforations in specific areas (such as the bottom or sides) while maintaining enclosed protection in other areas. This local quality approach allows the cover to provide protection from spills and rain while enabling drainage and drying capabilities through the strategically placed openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The openings in the cushion cover act as intermediaries that mediate between the need for protection and the need for drainage. They allow controlled passage of air and water vapor to facilitate drying while still providing overall protection from the elements, balancing both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9138060B2Cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 SCIRST INC

AI summary

Cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cushion may include a cushion insert having a bottom face including a plurality of through openings. The cushion may further include a cushion cover having a top portion, a bottom portion, one or more side portions, and an interior space at least partially defined there between. The cushion insert may be selectively received and housed in the interior space. The cushion cover may also include a bottom opening positioned in the bottom portion. The bottom opening may expose one or more of the through openings to an area external to the cushion cover. The bottom opening and the through openings may collectively be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion insert by allowing passage of air and/or water between the cushion insert and the area external to the cushion cover.