Two-Layer Cushion Design for Post-Breast-Surgery Prone Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
After breast surgery, patients face challenges in finding a cushion that provides comfort and protection for the operated breast while allowing them to sleep in a prone position without putting pressure on the wound, as existing cushions either lack stability or comfort.
Innovation Solution
A cushion with a base body formed of two layers: a harder layer of foamed plastic for stability and a softer viscoelastic layer for comfort, designed to maintain sufficient height and distribute pressure evenly, preventing contact with the underlay and ensuring ergonomic support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cushion made purely of foamed plastic is used, then stability and support are improved, but lying comfort deteriorates due to hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion combines two different materials: a harder layer of foamed plastic for stability and support, and a softer layer of viscoelastic material for comfort. This composite structure allows the cushion to simultaneously provide firm support while maintaining comfort during lying or sleeping in prone position after breast surgery.
2Ease of operation
If the cushion height is reduced to improve comfort, then pressure distribution improves, but protection of the operated breast deteriorates as the breast may contact the underlay
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion features a recess in the second softer layer that is specifically designed to accommodate the operated breast. This local structural modification ensures that the breast area receives enhanced protection and cushioning while maintaining overall comfort. The recess prevents direct contact between the breast and the underlay even when the cushion is compressed under body weight.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer cushion design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both stability and comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion comprises a base body formed of two layers: a first harder layer of foamed plastic and a second softer layer of viscoelastic material. This two-layer composite structure enables the cushion to provide both stability (from the harder layer) and comfort (from the softer layer), resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and functional performance.
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 cushion allows patients to lie and sleep comfortably in a prone position post-surgery by providing stability and pressure relief, ensuring the operated breast is protected and comfortable, with adjustable height and ergonomic design for optimal support.
Implementation Method 1
a second softer layer of a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material is more easily compressed under load than the first harder layer and, compared to the first harder layer, is compressed further or more intensely in relation to its original height under load. After exposure to a load, the layer of viscoelastic material has the property to return to its original position and height
Implementation Method 2
When charging the cushion with a load while lying on it, the first harder layer of foamed plastic will only yield slightly and will be compressed a little. The height of the first harder layer is designed sufficiently, so high that the cushion always has a sufficient height, even under the weight load from the patient's torso
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cushion for use when lying in a prone position after breast surgery, the cushion (10) having a base body (12) with a recess (14). The underlying object of the present invention is to provide a cushion which can be used after breast surgery for lying or sleeping in a prone position and which also offers a high degree of lying comfort and protection for the operated breast.For this purpose, the base body (12) is formed of two layers and has a first harder layer (36) of foamed plastic and a second softer layer (38) of a viscoelastic material.