Engineered seating system for use in medical lift chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged sitting or lying down leads to pressure sores due to prolonged pressure on skin, particularly affecting individuals with limited mobility who require extended periods of immobility, as existing seating solutions fail to adequately prevent or alleviate these pressure points.
Innovation Solution
A seating system featuring gel-infused foam layers, sinuous spring bases, elastic webbing, and baffle bags to distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure, combined with durable materials like engineered plywood and hardwoods, designed to reduce pressure points and promote comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional seating materials are used, then the chair structure remains simple and cost-effective, but pressure points develop on the user's body during prolonged sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining gel layers with foam layers to create a multi-layered seating surface. The gel layer provides pressure distribution and comfort, while the foam layer provides structural support and durability. This composite structure effectively reduces pressure points without requiring overly complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning gel layers specifically at high-pressure contact areas such as the seat bottom and armrests. This targeted approach concentrates the pressure-relieving properties where they are most needed, rather than uniformly distributing materials throughout the entire seating structure.
2Ease of operation
If gel infused foam layers are added to relieve pressure points, then comfort and therapeutic relief improve, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating system into distinct segmented layers: gel layers, foam layers, and intermediate layers. Each layer performs a specific function (pressure distribution, support, comfort) and can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together. This segmentation makes the complex comfort system easier to manufacture and maintain.
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 seating system effectively reduces pressure points and provides therapeutic relief by conforming to the body's shape, distributing weight evenly and promoting comfort, thereby preventing bedsores and improving the sitting experience for individuals at risk.
Implementation Method 1
a first gel infused foam layer coupled to an upper portion of the foam layer
Implementation Method 2
a sinuous spring base coupled to the seat bottom frame; a plurality of coil springs coupled to the sinuous spring base
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a chair for relieving pressure points from prolonged sitting. The chair comprises a plurality of armrests, the armrests comprising: an armrest frame; a foam layer coupled to an upper portion of the armrest frame; and a first gel infused foam layer coupled to an upper portion of the foam layer. The chair further comprises a seat bottom, the seat bottom comprising: a seat bottom frame; a sinuous spring base coupled to the seat bottom frame; a plurality of coil springs coupled to the sinuous spring base; and a second gel infused foam layer coupled to the coil springs. The chair further comprises a seat back, the seat back comprising: a seat back frame; elastic webbing coupled to the seat back frame; and one or more cushions coupled to the seat back frame.