Perforated Core Support Vest for Wheelchair Posture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals who use wheelchairs often slouch, slump, or lean forward due to frailty or infirmity, requiring posture support that maintains an upright position while allowing flexibility for daily functions like eating and working.
Innovation Solution
A support vest with a multiple layer structure, including a core layer of resilient material with perforations, mesh fabric for breathability and stretchability, and adjustable straps to secure the vest to the wheelchair, ensuring comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support vest with multiple layers is used to maintain upright posture, then posture stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support vest is divided into multiple functional layers: a core layer for structural support, an intermediate layer for comfort and breathability, and an outer layer for durability. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the complex posture support requirement to be met through modular design rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest utilizes composite material construction combining different fabrics and foams with complementary properties. The core layer uses high-density foam for rigidity, while intermediate layers use breathable meshes and soft foams for comfort. This composite approach achieves superior posture stability by combining the strengths of multiple materials rather than relying on a single complex material.
2Ease of operation
If the vest material is made resilient with perforations for breathability, then comfort is improved, but structural support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vest structure segments the support and breathability functions into different layers. The core layer maintains structural integrity with denser material, while intermediate layers incorporate breathable meshes and perforated foams. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vest have different material properties tailored to local requirements. The core layer uses higher density materials for structural support where rigidity is needed, while intermediate layers use more breathable, flexible materials for comfort. The perforation density and fabric types vary by location to match the specific comfort and support needs of different body areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh fabric with greater stretchability is used for movement flexibility, then ease of movement is improved, but posture support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vest segments stretchability across different layers and directions. The core layer has controlled stretch properties to maintain posture, while intermediate mesh layers provide greater flexibility for movement. The fabric knit structures are engineered with different stitch patterns in different directions, allowing expansion during movement while maintaining compressive support for posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters are carefully controlled to achieve the desired balance. The mesh fabric uses specific thread counts, stitch types, and knit structures that provide predetermined stretch percentages in different directions. The foam density and durometer are selected to provide compression resistance while allowing necessary movement. These parameter optimizations enable the vest to simultaneously support posture and accommodate movement.
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 support vest effectively limits forward leaning while allowing sufficient movement for normal activities, maintaining an upright posture and enhancing comfort through breathable and adjustable design.
Implementation Method 1
a core layer of a resilient material that has perforations extending between first and second major surfaces
Implementation Method 2
perforations extending between first and second major surfaces
Implementation Method 3
A first layer of a mesh fabric abuts the first major surface
Data Source
AI summary
A support vest, for limiting movement of a person in a chair, has a body that includes a central section adapted to fit against an anterior portion of the trunk of the person. A pair of shoulder straps project upward from the central section to fit against the person's shoulders. The body is formed by a resilient perforated core pad and layers a mesh fabric that abut the major surfaces of the core pad. A outer cover abuts one of the second layer of a mesh fabric layers and is formed by a resilient perforated nucleus pad encased is a breathable fabric. This layered body is breathable and has materials that wick perspiration away from the person.