U-Shaped Seat Cushion With Thermal Relief and Anti-Slip Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating cushions, particularly doughnut-shaped ones, fail to adequately eliminate pressure on the ischia and coccyx regions, leading to discomfort and potential exacerbation of pre-existing orthopedic issues, and often slip during use, making them unsuitable for long periods of sitting, especially while driving.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped seat cushion with a thermal transfer unit and secure strapping system that conforms to anatomical needs, providing heat or cooling and securing to the seating surface to prevent shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a doughnut-shaped cushion is used to relieve pressure, then coccyx pressure is reduced, but the cushion becomes unstable and requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped side walls create an asymmetric profile that channels the user's body weight along the sides of the cushion onto the trochanters, generating lateral friction forces that prevent slipping. This asymmetric weight distribution creates a more stable configuration compared to symmetric circular cushions, as the weight is distributed to broader contact areas on the sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion incorporates vertical dimension through raised U-shaped side walls that extend upward, creating a three-dimensional structure that mechanically interlocks with the user's body contours. This vertical element adds stability by creating friction and mechanical engagement, preventing the cushion from sliding forward or backward during use.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional cushions are used for extended sitting, then basic cushioning is provided, but thermal buildup in the perineum region exacerbates discomfort and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped aperture design completely removes the cushioning material from the perineum and coccyx region, extracting the thermal insulation function from this area. This allows direct thermal contact between the user's body and the ambient environment or seating surface, enabling passive heat dissipation from the perineum while maintaining cushioning support in other regions through the U-shaped side walls.
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 U-shaped design effectively reduces pressure on the ischia and coccyx, offers customizable temperature relief, and ensures stability during use, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury, particularly during extended periods of sitting or driving.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal transfer unit, which can comprise a thermal unit disposed in a thermal container, such as a pouch or pouch-like device, is placed in the thermal transfer chamber to selectively provide heat or cold to the perineum and ischial portions of the user's body.
Data Source
AI summary
A padded seating cushion having a main section at the front end and a pair of arms extending rearwardly therefrom to define a generally U-shaped aperture open and extending to the rear of the cushion to support the user's ischial portions while alleviating direct pressure on the coccyx. The arms define an inner section having inner side walls defining a thermal transfer chamber in which a thermal transfer unit is placed to selectively provide heat or cold for the user. The thermal transfer unit attaches to a lower chamber member that attaches to the arms. The thermal transfer unit comprises a thermal unit disposed in a thermal container, preferably in the form of a pouch. The cushion attaches to a seat with removably attached straps connected to ring members on each side of the cushion, providing a padded surface that does not shift with the movements of the user.