Portable seat and back cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable seat and back cushions lack adjustability and portability to provide custom support for individual vertebrae, failing to effectively address posture correction and pain relief needs.
Innovation Solution
A portable seat and back cushion with a flexibly connected seat and back member, featuring an inflatable bladder or foam insert with individually adjustable vertebral support bubbles or nodules, allowing for customizable ergonomic support for the pelvic, lumbar, and thoracic regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cushions are used, then basic cushioning is provided, but adjustability and portability for custom vertebrae support are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple independent inflatable segments (first, second, third, and fourth segments) that can be individually adjusted. Each segment corresponds to different vertebral regions, allowing independent customization of support levels for each area of the spine without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion employs an inflatable structure with adjustable air pressure in each segment, transforming a static cushion into a dynamic, adaptable support system. The inflation/deflation mechanism allows users to modify the firmness and shape of each segment to match their specific spinal support needs, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If individually adjustable vertebral support is provided, then posture correction and pain relief are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is segmented into four distinct inflatable portions, each targeting specific vertebral regions. This segmentation allows for focused posture correction in each area independently, improving overall reliability of posture correction while keeping each individual segment's mechanism relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic inflation mechanisms to adjust the firmness and shape of each support segment. This approach provides reliable and reversible adjustment capability for each vertebral region without requiring complex mechanical linkages or electronic controls, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective posture correction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inflatable segments are used for regional support, then customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is manufactured as separate inflatable segments that can be produced independently using standard inflatable component manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured separately and then assembled by connecting them, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex custom-molded cushion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized structures that can be manufactured using the same basic tooling and processes. Each segment serves multiple functions (support, adjustment, positioning) which simplifies the manufacturing requirements by avoiding the need for specialized components for each function.
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 personalized spinal support and pressure relief by allowing users to adjust the shape, position, and firmness of the cushion to suit their specific needs, improving posture and alleviating discomfort from prolonged sitting.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable bladder with a plurality of individually adjustable bubbles arranged in a vertical row about the middle of the back member, wherein an inflation pressure within each vertebral support bubble is individually adjustable
Implementation Method 2
the seat member includes an inflatable bladder or a foam insert
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
A portable seat and back cushion (100) for posture correction. The device includes a seat member (101) with an inflatable bladder or a foam insert and a back member (102) that is foldably connected to the seat member (101). A customizable support member is disposed within the back member (102). The customizable support member may include either an inflatable bladder (300) with a plurality of individually adjustable bubbles (301) arranged in a vertical row or a semi-rigid insert (200) with a plurality of selectively positionable vertebral support nodules (201).