Inflatable Tube Support Layout for Shifting Interface Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupant support devices create static interface pressure points that can lead to poor circulation, compression of body tissues, arthritis, inflamed tendons and sheaths, joint deterioration, muscle pain, and swelling due to inadequate pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
An occupant support device comprising interlaced inflatable tubes with an inflation device that selectively provides low and high pressures to varying positions, allowing dynamic shifting of interface pressure points to enhance comfort and prevent harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional occupant support devices such as seat cushions and webbing are used, then the device structure is simple, but static interface pressure points are created that cause poor circulation, tissue compression, and other health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple independent inflatable tubes arranged in parallel rows. Each tube can be independently inflated or deflated, allowing the pressure distribution to be segmented and controlled across different zones, thereby eliminating concentrated static pressure points while maintaining structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable tubes are equipped with an inflation device that can dynamically adjust the pressure levels in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to shift pressure points and redistribute loads, preventing the formation of harmful static interface pressure areas that occur in conventional fixed-structure support devices
2Reliability
If static pressure support is provided by conventional devices, then the device structure is simple, but harmful effects such as arthritis, inflamed tendons, joint deterioration, and muscle pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically adjustable inflatable tubes that can modify their pressure characteristics in response to occupant needs. This dynamic adjustment prevents the development of harmful static pressure patterns that lead to arthritis, tendon inflammation, and muscle pain, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation device enables continuous adjustment of pressure parameters within the tubes, allowing the system to optimize pressure distribution for different occupants and conditions. This parameter control ensures healthy interface pressure levels are maintained, preventing the harmful effects associated with fixed-pressure conventional devices
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 effectively varies interface pressure to reduce muscle tissue compression, prevent edema, and increase comfort by dynamically shifting pressure peaks, thereby minimizing adverse health effects associated with static pressure.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation device to selectively provide a low pressure and a high pressure to at least one of the first inflatable tube, the second inflatable tube, the third inflatable tube, and the fourth inflatable tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to provide an occupant support device includes a first inflatable tube, a second inflatable tube disposed parallel to the first inflatable tube, a third inflatable tube disposed at a relative angle to the first inflatable tube, above the first inflatable tube and below the second inflatable tube, a fourth inflatable tube disposed parallel to the third inflatable tube, below the first inflatable tube and above the second inflatable tube, and an inflation device to selectively provide a low pressure and a high pressure to at least one of the first inflatable tube, the second inflatable tube, the third inflatable tube, and the fourth inflatable tube.