Elastomeric Load Bearing Surface to Prevent Hammocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load bearing surfaces, such as seating and bed surfaces, often lack durability, comfort, and tunability to provide optimal support characteristics, with molded plastic chairs offering inadequate support and elastomeric fabrics experiencing undesirable 'hammocking' deflection.
Innovation Solution
A decoupled elastomeric load bearing surface is created by orienting a molded elastomeric membrane to vary support characteristics in different directions, using techniques like stretching or compressing to align crystalline structures and incorporating mechanical structures like slits or nodes to provide elasticity and control over support, and a multi-layer design with interconnected nodes and spring elements for enhanced comfort and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic chairs are used to provide inexpensive seating, then cost is reduced, but support and comfort are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the force/deflection characteristics of the load bearing surface through material selection and structural design. The elastomeric material and decoupled node structure enable non-linear force/deflection profiles that provide progressive support, transitioning from soft initial contact to firm support as load increases, thereby achieving both comfort and support at lower cost than conventional cushion sets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastomeric material with a decoupled node structure. This composite approach integrates the flexibility and comfort of elastomeric materials with the structural support capabilities of the node-based framework, creating a hybrid system that outperforms both molded plastic and conventional cushion solutions
2Ease of operation
If elastomeric fabric is used to provide comfortable and ventilated seating, then comfort is improved, but unwanted deflection (hammocking) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous elastomeric fabric into discrete, decoupled nodes that are interconnected by flexible connectors. This segmentation prevents the fabric from deflecting as a single unit (hammocking) while maintaining the comfort benefits of elastomeric material. Each node can deflect independently, distributing load more evenly and preventing the upward rotation of hips that occurs with traditional stretched fabrics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing connectors with varying stiffness characteristics that allow controlled deflection. The flexible connectors enable the nodes to move and adapt to applied loads dynamically, providing a responsive seating surface that maintains comfort while controlling unwanted deflection patterns through its ability to adapt to different loading conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastomeric fabric is stretched tightly to minimize hammocking, then deflection is reduced, but cushion-like feel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the stiffness and flexibility parameters of the connectors between nodes. Rather than uniformly stretching the entire fabric structure, the design allows connectors to have specific flexural properties that enable localized deflection control. This maintains cushion-like feel at the contact points while preventing excessive overall deflection, achieving both comfort and stability
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional molded seat materials and thicknesses are varied to control characteristics, then limited tuning is achieved, but sufficient control for different applications is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating a modular node-based structure where individual nodes and connectors can be independently designed and configured. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over mechanical properties - by adjusting node size, connector length, connector stiffness, and node spacing, the overall seat characteristics can be tuned for different applications without requiring completely different material systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the seat to have different node densities, connector types, and material properties. This enables localized tuning of support characteristics - for example, providing firmer support in areas requiring more stability while maintaining softer, more compliant characteristics in areas requiring comfort, thereby achieving application-specific optimization without excessive overall complexity
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 a strong, flexible, and ventilated load bearing surface with adjustable support characteristics, reducing creep and enhancing comfort by offering different degrees of elasticity in various directions, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the molded elastomeric membrane may be oriented by compressing or stretching the membrane in one direction to the extent necessary to increase the alignment of the crystallize structure of the elastomer
Implementation Method 2
The orientation process varies the support characteristics of the membrane resulting in a membrane with significant elasticity in the direction of orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.