Internal support system for cushions, mattresses and the like
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat cushions and mattresses fail to provide adequate support and comfort, particularly for the ischial tuberosities and trochanters, leading to discomfort and pain during prolonged sitting due to uneven pressure distribution and inadequate suspension of these areas.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid seat cushion design featuring a softer outer layer and a stiffer inner insert with a trapezoidal cross-section, where the inner insert's top surface is larger than its base, providing a peripheral region that overlays the outer layer to distribute pressure more evenly and prevent 'bottoming out' of the ischial tuberosities, while supporting the trochanters with a varying composite stiffness profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single foam cushion is used, then the cushion provides basic comfort, but it cannot adequately support the ischial tuberosities and trochanters, leading to pressure concentration and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple functional zones: a central support zone with higher density foam for ischial tuberosity support, peripheral zones with lower density foam for trochanter support, and transitional zones connecting them. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific pressure points independently, resolving the contradiction between pressure distribution and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cushion are assigned different foam densities and stiffness properties tailored to their specific anatomical requirements. The central region has higher density for firm support of weight-bearing ischial tuberosities, while peripheral regions have lower density for comfort at the trochanters, optimizing pressure distribution without requiring excessive overall complexity.
2Strength
If spring bases or webbing bases are used, then base support is provided, but localised counter pressure is applied and pressure distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The foam cushion provides continuous distributed support across the entire seating surface, with local variations in density creating appropriate pressure gradients. This eliminates the localized counter-pressure points characteristic of spring or webbing bases, achieving both adequate base support strength and uniform pressure distribution through material property differentiation rather than structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses composite foam structures with varying density regions to achieve both support strength and pressure distribution. The higher density central core provides the necessary structural support equivalent to spring bases, while the lower density peripheral regions ensure uniform pressure distribution, combining the benefits of both support and comfort in a unified foam construction.
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 hybrid cushion design effectively reduces pressure on the ischial tuberosities, prevents 'bottoming out,' and minimizes sideways forces on the trochanters, providing comfortable and sustained support across a wide range of users by adapting to individual weight and anatomical variations.
Implementation Method 1
The proportions of support portion and main portion vary laterally through the internal support system to provide a varying support profile
Implementation Method 2
the support portion is more resistant to deformation than the main portion
Data Source
AI summary
An internal support system for a cushion, mattress or the like, for supporting the body of a user, the internal support system including: a main portion having a body facing side that substantially opposes a base side; and a support portion located at least partly within the main portion, the support portion including a core portion and at least one peripheral portion which extends laterally from the core portion, wherein the height of the core portion is greater than the height of the at least one peripheral portion, the height being that as determined in the direction from the base side to the body facing side of the main portion, wherein the support portion is more resistant to deformation than the main portion.