Flexible Vibration Cushion with Soft Electroactive Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional massage devices and mechanisms using hard materials for vibration motors and acupressure projections cause foreign body sensation on the skin, leading to discomfort during prolonged use, such as in vehicle seats or wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A flexible vibration cushion with a soft filler material and a vibration generation device made of soft materials, utilizing an electroactive polymeric membrane and dielectric fluid to generate vibrations with minimal foreign body sensation, and adjustable vibration patterns for comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If hard materials are used for vibration motors and acupressure projections, then vibration generation capability is improved, but foreign body sensation on skin increases causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration generation capabilityVSAvoidforeign body sensation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible cushion member is introduced as an intermediary between the hard vibration motor/acupressure projection and the user's skin. This cushion member transmits the vibration force while softening the contact interface, thereby maintaining vibration effectiveness while eliminating the foreign body sensation caused by direct hard material contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member is constructed using flexible materials including a flexible substrate and elastic body, creating a soft interface layer that conforms to the skin surface. This flexible structure allows vibration transmission while preventing the discomfort associated with rigid materials directly contacting the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If components are made of hard materials for structural integrity, then device strength is improved, but user comfort during prolonged contact deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional layers: a hard vibration motor component for structural integrity and vibration generation, and a separate soft cushion member for user comfort. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member serves as a mediator between the structurally necessary hard components and the user's body, allowing the hard components to maintain their strength while the soft intermediary provides comfort during prolonged contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If acupressure projection directly contacts skin for massage effect, then massage effectiveness is improved, but foreign body sensation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemassage effectivenessVSAvoidforeign body sensation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion member acts as an intermediary that transmits the acupressure force to the skin while maintaining a soft contact surface. This allows the acupressure projection to effectively massage the skin through the flexible cushion without causing the foreign body sensation that would result from direct hard material contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 flexible vibration cushion minimizes foreign body sensation and discomfort by using soft materials for the vibration generation device, allowing for a comfortable and customizable massage experience, reducing the risk of injury from pressure concentration during vehicle collisions.

Implementation Method 1

configured to generate vibration as an electrostatic force is repeatedly generated and released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

an electroactive polymeric membrane bonded to a first surface portion of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 3

the electrostatic force may be generated between an electrode coated on the substrate and a flexible electrode coated on the electroactive polymeric membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 4

a dielectric fluid injected into a space between the substrate and the electroactive polymeric membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric fluid: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20230172797A1Flexible vibration cushion and control method for driving the same

Publication Date: 2023.06.08 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a flexible vibration cushion and a method of controlling the same. The flexible vibration cushion may include a cover member, a first soft filler material filled in the cover member; and a vibration generation device including components made of a soft material and disposed in the soft filler. The vibration generation device is configured to generate vibration as an electrostatic force is repeatedly generated and released. The vibration generation device may be applied in a vehicle part, e.g., headrest, thereby minimizing the foreign body sensation acting on the user’s skin while delivering soft and various senses of vibrations to the user.