Pocket-Based Contouring Device for Adaptable Seat and Mattress Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contouring devices for seats and mattresses often provide fixed contouring that cannot be altered to suit individual user needs, leading to discomfort and safety issues for users with specific postural requirements, particularly in wheelchairs, and are not adaptable for different users over time.
Innovation Solution
A contouring device featuring a substrate with pockets for inserts made of elasticated material, allowing for customizable contouring by adjusting the placement and size of inserts to modify the contouring surface, which can be integrated into seat bases, backrests, and mattresses, with a removable cushioning layer and cover for easy access and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed contouring is provided in seats and mattresses, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple pockets that can independently accommodate different inserts. Each pocket can be filled with or without inserts, allowing localized contouring adjustments without affecting other areas, thus enabling customized contouring while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different inserts with varying sizes, shapes, and firmness levels can be placed in specific pockets to create localized contouring zones. This allows the seat or mattress to provide different levels of support and cushioning in different areas to match specific user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customised contouring is provided for individual users, then comfort and support are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contouring system is segmented into a standard substrate with pockets and separate interchangeable inserts. The substrate can be mass-produced using simple manufacturing processes, while the inserts can be independently manufactured and then combined, avoiding the need for complex custom manufacturing for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal substrate design with standardized pockets can serve multiple users with different needs by simply changing the inserts. This universal substrate can be used across different seat and mattress applications, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high customisation capability.
3Ease of operation
If fixed contouring structures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contouring structure transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic, adjustable state. Inserts can be easily added to or removed from pockets, and the elasticated pockets automatically adjust to accommodate different insert configurations, allowing users to modify contouring without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The contouring characteristics can be changed by varying parameters such as the number, size, shape, and material properties of the inserts placed in the pockets. This allows continuous adjustment of contouring parameters without changing the fundamental structure of the substrate.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of contouring to accommodate changing user needs, improving comfort and safety by allowing the same seat or mattress to be adapted for multiple users and providing sustainable, long-term solutions for postural support and pressure sore prevention.
Implementation Method 1
the pockets are formed from an elasticated material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a contouring device for a seat base, backrest, or mattress. The device comprises a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first and second surfaces each comprising a plurality of pockets adapted to receive one or more inserts therein. Inserts of various sizes and shapes can be placed within selected pockets of the device to provide a contoured surface that suits the needs of the user of the device. For example, the device can be adapted to provide contours that encourage a user to adopt a preferred posture when seated or lying down.