Foam Cushion Padding With Zoned Recesses for Variable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture padding technologies face challenges in adapting suspension to different users and providing varying resilience and support without straining the foam material, leading to difficulties in production and potential ruptures.
Innovation Solution
The use of recesses in foam padding with varying size, density, and shape, which can be moulded or drilled post-production, allows for smooth transitions in softness and stiffness, integrated with a frame for enhanced support and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of springs and multiple foam types with different properties are used to provide varying support and softness in different seat sections, then the resilience and support characteristics are improved, but the production complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones with different foam densities within a single homogeneous foam structure. By varying the density of cells or incorporating recesses of different sizes and distributions in specific areas (seat vs backrest), the padding provides locally optimized support characteristics without requiring multiple foam types or complex spring systems. This resolves the contradiction by achieving varying resilience through spatial variation in foam structure rather than through complex multi-material construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the foam material, specifically density and cell structure, to achieve different resilience levels. By controlling foam density gradients and cell size distributions in different regions, the padding adapts to provide appropriate support in seat areas versus backrest areas. This parameter-based approach simplifies production compared to using multiple foam types with different properties.
2Ease of operation
If holes are drilled through the foam material to provide ventilation and varying resilience, then the ventilation and softness are improved, but the foam material becomes prone to tearing and rupture under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the foam structure by creating closed recesses or cavities within the foam rather than drilling holes through it. These recesses are distributed throughout the foam volume and provide ventilation channels and softness without compromising the continuous outer skin of the foam. The segmentation occurs internally within the foam matrix, maintaining surface integrity while achieving the desired softness and ventilation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates recesses and cavities into the foam structure during the foam manufacturing process itself, before the foam is installed or subjected to stress. This pre-formed structure provides the cushioning and ventilation effects without requiring post-production drilling that would weaken the foam. The recesses are created as integral parts of the foam matrix, preventing tear propagation that would occur with post-drilled holes.
3Strength
If the suspension is made hard to provide support, then the structural support is improved, but the comfort for different user weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foam density as a variable parameter to achieve different levels of support and comfort. By creating gradients in foam density or using zones of different density values, the padding can accommodate users of different weights while maintaining structural support. The density parameter can be adjusted in different regions to provide appropriate firmness for support areas versus comfort areas, resolving the contradiction between hard support and user adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic response in the foam structure through varying cell densities and recess distributions. The foam structure can deform and adapt to different load conditions, providing harder support when needed for structural integrity and softer response for user comfort. The dynamic behavior arises from the heterogeneous foam structure that allows different regions to compress at different rates and degrees under varying loads.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a padding for a cushion (1), such as a cushion for a seat, comprising foam material (100), with modified resilience provided by recesses (101), in at least one section of the cushion, the size and/or density of the recesses being different in adjacent sections providing a varying softness or collapsibility in the foam material (100) in one surface direction of the cushion, wherein the recesses (101) may be non-transient and a frame (410) may be completely or partly embedded in the foam. The invention also concerns a seat cushion or furniture comprising such padding and the method for producing such padding.


