Dual-Matrix Void Cell Cushioning for Even Pressure Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning systems often fail to provide even pressure distribution and adequate comfort due to direct coupling of cells or springs, leading to uneven support and potential pressure points when a contoured object, such as a human body, is placed in contact.
Innovation Solution
A cellular cushioning system comprising two matrices of void cells with different cell resolutions, where the peaks of the higher cell resolution matrix are attached to the lower cell resolution matrix, allowing for even pressure distribution and enhanced comfort through varying wall thickness and channel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cells or springs are directly coupled together to tie the cushioning system together, then structural integrity is improved, but pressure distribution becomes uneven and comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning system is divided into multiple independent cells or springs that are not directly coupled. Each cell/spring acts as an independent element, allowing localized deformation without transmitting stress to adjacent elements, thereby eliminating pressure points while maintaining overall structural integrity through distributed support.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer or mechanism is introduced between adjacent cells or springs to prevent direct coupling. This intermediary element allows each cell/spring to deform independently while maintaining structural coherence, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and even pressure distribution.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cell structure is used throughout the cushioning system, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to contoured surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning system employs cells or springs with varying properties (size, shape, stiffness, depth) at different locations to match the local requirements of the body contour. This local variation in cell characteristics allows the uniform manufacturing process to produce a non-uniform, body-adaptive structure that conforms to contoured surfaces while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 system achieves more even pressure distribution and improved comfort by conforming to the body with a consistent resistive force, reducing the likelihood of pressure points and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the void cells of one or both of the first matrix and the second matrix each include one or more holes through which fluid passes when the void cells are compressed and de-compressed
Implementation Method 2
there is more even pressure distribution when a contoured object (e.g., a human body) is placed in contact with the top matrix
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a cellular cushioning system (100, 200, 300). The cellular cushioning system (100, 200, 300) comprises a first matrix of void cells (106, 206, 306) and a second matrix of void cells (108, 208, 308) opposing the first matrix of void cells. Peaks (316) of individual void cells of the first matrix are attached to opposing void cells of the second matrix and the first matrix of void cells has a higher cell resolution than the second matrix of void cells. The void cells of one or both of the first matrix and the second matrix each include one or more holes through which fluid passes when the void cells are compressed and de-compressed.