Gel Spring Cushion Structure for Pressure Hot Spot Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioning technologies fail to effectively relieve pressure hot spots, redistribute pressure, absorb shock, and attenuate vibration, often resulting in excessive pressure points and discomfort in applications like mattresses and seat cushions.

Innovation Solution

Gel springs made from elastomeric gels, such as SEPS or SEBS, with a high plasticizer content, designed to buckle at a predetermined pressure threshold, allowing lateral deformation and redistribution of pressure, combined with connecting materials like fabric or gel skin to maintain stability and reduce shear stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cushioning materials are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but pressure redistribution and shock absorption effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure redistribution effectivenessVSAvoidcushioning structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning system is divided into multiple independent gel springs arranged in an array, where each spring acts as an independent pressure redistribution unit. This segmentation allows localized pressure relief while maintaining overall structural simplicity, as each gel spring functions autonomously without requiring complex interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite gel materials comprising elastomeric gel with high plasticizer content (at least 20 parts plasticizer per 100 parts elastomer). This composite material provides superior pressure redistribution and shock absorption properties compared to traditional homogeneous cushioning materials, enhancing reliability without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If gel springs with high plasticizer content are used, then shock absorption and vibration attenuation are improved, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies precise material parameters (at least 20 parts plasticizer per 100 parts elastomer by weight) to optimize shock absorption and vibration attenuation. By defining clear parameter ranges, the patent enables standardized manufacturing processes that balance performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility, allowing producers to select from various elastomer-plasticizer combinations within the specified range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If gel springs are designed to buckle at predetermined pressure threshold, then pressure hot spot relief is improved, but structural stability and durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure hot spot reliefVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gel springs are designed with controlled buckling characteristics that allow dynamic adaptation to applied loads. The springs buckle at predetermined pressure thresholds to relieve hot spots, then recover and maintain structural stability. This dynamic behavior enables the cushioning system to adapt to varying pressure conditions while preserving overall structural integrity and durability through the elastomeric gel's inherent recovery properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Gel springs provide superior pressure equalization, shear relief, shock absorption, and vibration attenuation, reducing the likelihood of back and neck pain by distributing pressure evenly and maintaining spinal alignment, while being lighter and more cost-effective than traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

Gel springs are designed to buckle at a predetermined pressure threshold, and this buckling can relieve pressure hot spots and redistribute pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Implementation Method 2

the ability of individual gel springs to deform laterally to the direction of the principal cushioning load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the nature of most elastomers and especially plasticized elastomers such as gel is to absorb shock and attenuate vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 4

the nature of most elastomers and especially plasticized elastomers such as gel is to absorb shock and attenuate vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8434748B1Cushions comprising gel springs

Publication Date: 2013.05.07 PURPLE INNOVATION LLC

AI summary

Various gel springs can be constructed for cushioning purposes.