Multi-Chamber Fluid Cushion With Controlled Pressure Equalisation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid-filled cushions with unrestricted flow often result in rapid and uneven fluid distribution due to excessive movement under user weight, leading to poor support and increased likelihood of leaks through weak points in the seal between chambers.
Innovation Solution
A pressure distributing unit with evenly spaced fluid conduits, preferably made of thermoplastic polymers like TPU, allows controlled fluid flow between chambers, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring consistent support by maintaining a constant aperture diameter optimized for the fluid type used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chambers are connected by leaving a break in the seal, then fluid flow between chambers is achieved, but the likelihood of leaks increases and fluid distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
A discrete pressure distributing unit with conduits is introduced as an intermediary component between chambers. This unit provides controlled fluid flow paths while eliminating the need for breaks in the seal between chambers, thereby preventing leaks while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of fluid flow control from unrestricted (through seal breaks) to controlled (through conduits with specific aperture diameters). The conduits have optimized aperture sizes that maintain consistent fluid distribution while preventing leakage through proper sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If chambers are connected by leaving a break in the seal, then fluid flow is enabled, but aperture diameter varies with pressure leading to uneven fluid distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the aperture diameter from variable (pressure-dependent seal breaks) to constant (fixed conduit apertures). The conduits are manufactured with precise, consistent aperture diameters that ensure uniform fluid distribution regardless of pressure changes or user weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure distributing unit with conduits acts as an intermediary that mediates fluid flow between chambers. It provides a controlled interface that maintains consistent aperture dimensions, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and fluid flow rates independent of external pressure variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single chamber design is used, then the cushion is simple to manufacture, but unrestricted fluid movement causes rapid and uneven fluid distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid-filled cushion into multiple chambers separated by sealed barriers. Fluid distribution is achieved through controlled conduits in the pressure distributing unit rather than unrestricted flow in a single chamber. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring uniform fluid distribution through controlled flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete pressure distributing unit with conduits serves as an intermediary system that enables controlled fluid distribution between multiple chambers. This approach maintains the simplicity of a multi-component design while achieving uniform fluid distribution that a single unrestricted chamber cannot provide.
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 reliable and even fluid distribution, enhancing user support and reducing the likelihood of leaks, particularly in high-value seating products like office chairs or wheelchairs, by using a discrete pressure distributing unit with conduits and frame formed as a single piece for efficient manufacturing and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The conduits of the pressure distributing unit are suitable to allow flow of a fluid, such as gas, gel or liquid between the chambers to equalise pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid-fillable cushion (1) comprises upper (2) and lower (3) layers, a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (7) and a discrete pressure distributing unit (5) situated between the upper and lower layers, said pressure distributing unit providing a fluid connection between at least the first chamber and the second chamber. Such a cushion reduces leaks and allows controlled pressure equalisation between the chambers. Also disclosed is a process for making such cushions and seating products comprising such cushions.