Pneumatic Support Cushion Retention Structure Against Cell Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for the human body, such as cushions and mattresses, face challenges in preventing deformation and separation of their components, which can lead to inadequate support and increased risks of bedsores, particularly in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A support device featuring a deformable material support element with a peripheral retaining bead and a pneumatic element comprising interconnected inflatable cells arranged in a matrix, where the cells engage with the retaining bead and the housing bottom to maintain the pneumatic element's position and prevent extraction, ensuring a coherent and stable support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pneumatic element is inserted into the housing without a retaining structure, then the insertion process is simple, but the pneumatic element may deform or separate when inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bead is positioned specifically at the periphery of the housing's bottom face, creating a localized retention structure. This allows the majority of the housing to remain simple and open for easy insertion, while the specific region where the pneumatic element needs securing has enhanced structural features. The bead's peripheral location provides lateral retention without interfering with the overall simple insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bead extends in the lateral dimension (perpendicular to the inflation direction), creating a three-dimensional retention feature. When the pneumatic element inflates, it engages with the bead laterally, preventing extraction and deformation through a dimensional approach rather than relying solely on vertical compression or adhesive bonding.
2Ease of manufacture
If the peripheral side wall is made straight and simple, then the manufacturing is easier, but the pneumatic element can be extracted laterally when inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bead is positioned specifically at the periphery of the housing's bottom face, creating a localized retention structure. This allows the majority of the housing to remain simple and open for easy insertion, while the specific region where the pneumatic element needs securing has enhanced structural features. The bead's peripheral location provides lateral retention without interfering with the overall simple insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bead extends in the lateral dimension (perpendicular to the inflation direction), creating a three-dimensional retention feature. When the pneumatic element inflates, it engages with the bead laterally, preventing extraction and deformation through a dimensional approach rather than relying solely on vertical compression or adhesive bonding.
3Reliability
If the support element and pneumatic element are held together with strong fastening mechanisms, then deformation is prevented, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic element itself serves the dual function of providing support and securing itself within the housing. When inflated, the internal pressure automatically pushes the element against the retaining bead and compression elements, creating self-retention without requiring external fastening mechanisms. The system uses its own operational state (inflation) to secure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bead and compression elements act as intermediaries between the pneumatic element and the housing. Rather than directly fastening the pneumatic element to the housing, these intermediary structures facilitate retention through geometric engagement and elastic compression, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
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 provides a stable and coherent support structure that reduces the risk of deformation and separation, enhancing patient comfort and preventing bedsores by maintaining the pneumatic element's position within the housing, even when inflated.
Implementation Method 1
support element made of a deformable material
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic element comprising a base and a plurality of inflatable cells
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supporting a body or part of a body, in particular a human body, said device comprising a support element (2) including a seat (3) and a peripheral sidewall (4), such as to define a housing (5) having a bottom (6) and a peripheral side face (7), and a pneumatic element (9) comprising a base (10) and inflatable cells (11) fitted inside the housing (5) and extending between the bottom (6) of the housing and the base (10) of the pneumatic element (9). According to the invention, the peripheral sidewall (4) comprises at least one inner retaining bead (8) at a distance from the bottom (6) of the housing (5), and, when inflated, at least some of the inflatable cells (11a) adjacent to the retaining bead (8a) can be engaged laterally between the retaining bead (8) and the bottom (6) of the housing (5).