ES1295652U - CUSHION WITH PERSONALIZED CUSHIONING (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Cushion with personalized cushioning, applicable to the support areas for the buttocks/legs (seats), to the support areas for the arms (armrests) and to the support area for the back (backrests) characterized by comprising a body of lattice or lattice structure (2) of elastic or resilient material, defined by a framework of walls (2a) and cells (2b), which have variable thickness and density between some areas (a) and others (b) of said structure of the cushion (1) adaptable from the distribution of masses and pressures applied in a seated position by each individual user for whom each cushion (1) is intended, reflected in a heat map (3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

CUSHION WITH PERSONALIZED CUSHIONING

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement of the present descriptive report, refers to a cushion with personalized cushioning that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail later, which imply an improvement in the current state of the art.

The object of the present invention falls on a seat cushion that, preferably intended for use due to illness, work or disability but without this being a limitation, is distinguished by consisting of a product designed in a personalized way for each individual and manufactured by 3D printing technology, with a lattice structure defined by a framework of lattice walls of variable thickness and density adapted individually for each user based on the distribution of masses and pressures applied by said user in a seated position.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of seat accessories and furniture, focusing particularly on the field of seat cushions, including automobile seats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although multiple types and models of seat cushions with different structures are known on the market, some of them defined by ergonomic designs intended to adapt to the body's anatomy, at least for part of the applicant, the existence of none, nor of any other invention of similar application, that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal or similar to those presented by the one claimed here, its essential objective being to provide the market with a personalized product based on the morphology and particular needs of each specific user.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The cushion with personalized cushioning that the invention proposes is configured as an optimal solution to the aforementioned objective which, in turn, represents an improvement on the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it conveniently collected in the final claims that accompany this description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously noted, is a seat cushion that is essentially distinguished by having a lattice structure defined by a framework of lattice walls of elastic or resilient material of variable thickness and density between zones. and others of said cushion structure, which are specifically adapted individually for each user based on the distribution of masses and pressures applied by said user in a seated position.

A cushion for sitting should be understood as that cushion that is in contact with the user's body when he is in a sitting position. Therefore, a seat cushion should be understood as the one that is in contact with the user's buttocks, but also the one that is in contact with the user's back and the one that is in contact with the user's arms, among others.

The cushion with personalized cushioning for the seat that is the object of the invention is, therefore, a cushion whose innovative character resides in its personalized structure for each individual, offering a totally individualized mechanical response and adapted to the distribution of masses and pressures applied by the user in position. sitting. The result is an individualized and therapeutic cushion structure that optimally distributes bone and muscle pressure, optimizing user comfort and helping to alleviate and/or correct:

- Bad postural habits

- Pressure ulcers

- Low back pain

- Trauma

To achieve this, through the application of parametric and generative design as well as 3D printing technologies, a lattice structure is developed, around which the value proposition of the cushion of the invention orbits. This lattice structure provides the product with the following advantages:

- Obtaining a light structure and reduction in the use of material.

- Personalized compression with a structure design tailored to the various functional zones within the product, adjusting each one of these zones to the mechanical properties of each user.

- Highly breathable padding

- Product focused on improving energy return through elastomeric networks, overcoming the performance limited by the linear compressibility of the foam offered by products with similar applications.

- Obtaining a conformal net, in which the lattice structure is aligned with the direction of the tension, granting greater effectiveness in the response to efforts than with a uniform net.

The cushion object of the invention can have a quadrangular configuration with general dimensions of 400x400x50 mm. where, in any case, the mesh structure of the cushion presents different densities and thicknesses depending on the magnitude of the pressure exerted by the user in a seated position. This cushion can be used as an accessory cushion to an existing seat, such as an office chair.

The cushion object of the invention can have other dimensions and not only consist of an accessory cushion to an existing seat, but also form an integral part of the seat, either for example as the cushion that comes into contact with the user's buttocks or as the cushion that comes into contact with the user's back.

Preferably, for the design of this lattice structure, heat maps will be used which will indicate the precise distribution of mass and pressures applied by each individual in a seated position. From the result of the pressure map, the lattice structure is generated, made up of individual units, each one designed to dissipate the high pressure applied by the user when sitting.

Next, the methodology used to obtain the design of a cushion is explained in greater detail.

The parameter "pressure exerted by the user when seated" is the one that will define the geometry of the cushion.

Therefore, if the objective is for the cushion to acquire one shape or another depending on the areas of greater or lesser pressure exerted by the user, what is done is to subdivide the cushion into "x" voxels (volumetric pixels) or volumetric units that, for repetition conform to the entire volume of the cushion.These voxels will contain a common unit cell typology (network containing beams, or struts, and nodes or balls), but with a variable thickness depending on the pressure zones exerted by the user.

In this way, to the parameter "pressure exerted by the user when seated", three new parameters are added that will shape the product: voxelization density, cell type and mesh or lattice thickness.

The following is an explanation of these four parameters:

- Pressure exerted by the user when seated: Depending on the areas of greater or lesser support, the cushion will adopt a certain shape. For this, heat maps will be used that represent the distribution of the pressures of each user when sitting.

- Voxelization density: Refers to the number of subdivisions in volumetric units within the total volume of the cushion.

- Unit cell typology: Refers to the arrangement of the beams, or struts, and nodes or balls that each of the voxels houses.

- Mesh thickness: The thickness of the mesh structure, which will be greater in areas of greater pressure from the user and less in areas of lower pressure.

Thus, it starts from an initially defined dimensional reference, preferably a quadrangular frame, whose interior content will be conditioned by the information provided by the heat map so that the product behaves in one way or another depending on the different pressures exerted by the Username. To do this, the initially defined volume is subdivided into smaller and independent entities (called voxels) that will house a certain type of unit cell (arrangement of beams, or struts, and nodes or balls) that will have different characteristics and thicknesses depending on the areas of pressure given by the heat map.

In order to enter the four parameters mentioned above and thus configure the design of the cushion, computational design has been applied by generating a code in Grasshopper, a visual programming language, which allows the product to be parametrically designed and adapted to each user.

Thus, preferably, the users to whom the product is directed are divided into three segments:

- Users due to illness: people with pain pathologies such as hemorrhoids, pressure ulcers in the buttocks, coccyx and lower back (lumbar) pain, and trauma.

- Users for work: people with sedentary jobs, such as office tasks, reception, gamers, checkout stands in supermarkets, long-distance drivers such as carriers or bus drivers, etc., where they spend many hours sitting It can cause the appearance of pressure sores on the buttocks or lower back pain, usually low back pain. It also includes people who drive and who seek greater comfort.

- Situation of disability: people with disabilities in a wheelchair. Due to their condition of reduced mobility, they suffer from pressure ulcers.

Finally, it should be noted that the seat cushion object of the invention can consist of a cushion accessory to a seat, but also consist of an integral part (not accessory) of

- Furniture and accessories: understanding the products designed to sit and/or lie on them. For example: office chairs, home chairs, mattresses, etc.

- Automotive Seats: including in this group the machines that move by the action of an engine, especially the automobile.

In both cases, that is, in the event that the cushion forms an integral part of furniture, accessories or automotive seats, the cushion design concept described in this document is applicable in addition to the support areas for the buttocks/legs ( seats) also to the support areas for the arms (armrests), such as the back (backrests). It would simply be necessary to apply the information extracted from the pressure heat maps of each of these body areas to a previously defined initial geometry that delimits the volume of the object and thus generate the appropriate lattice structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this specification is attached, as an integral part of it, a plan in which, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

Figures number 1 and 2.- Show respective views, in perspective and upper plan respectively, of an embodiment of the cushion with personalized cushioning object of the invention, appreciating its general configuration;

Figure number 3.- Shows a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the cushion of the invention shown in the preceding figures, appreciating in greater detail the difference in thickness of the walls of the lattice that defines the structure of pad lattice;

Figure number 4.- Shows a top plan view of another embodiment of the cushion with personalized damping, according to the invention; Y

Figures number 5-A, 5-B and 5-C.- Show respective images of what is started to make the cushion of the invention, that is, the dimensional reference, the heat map and the subdivision of the reference into small independent entities.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the described figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, it can be seen in them two non-limiting examples of embodiment of the cushion with personalized cushioning of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the cushion (1) object of the invention that is essentially distinguished by the fact that it is formed from a body with a lattice or lattice structure (2) of elastic or resilient material, defined by a framework of walls (2a) and cells (2b) in the form of a mesh, which have variable thickness and density between some areas (a) and others (b) of said cushion structure (1), which are specifically individually adapted for each user based on the distribution of masses and pressures applied by said user in a seated position, for example reflected in a heat map (3).

Figures 2 and 4 show the respective representations of the 3D renderings of two design examples of the lattice structure that makes up the cushion (1) according to the invention.

Of the four parameters discussed in the previous section to obtain these designs, which give shape to the design of the cushion, the parameter "pressure exerted by the user when seated" is the same for the two examples (that is, we have used the same heat map (3), while the parameters "voxelization density", "unit cell typology" and "mesh thickness" are different in each one of them.

In the top view of said figures 2 and 4, it can be seen how for both examples of the cushion (1) the density of the lattice structure (2) changes according to the heat distribution of the user's pressure map (3). Where there is more support area, that is, more pressure (a), the lattice structure (2) presents a denser mesh, with thicker or closer walls (2a) and smaller cells (2b), while in the In areas of lower pressure (b), the mesh will be less dense, with thinner or more separated walls (2a) and larger cells (2b).

The example heat map (3) used in said examples corresponds to that of a 44-year-old man, 1.70 cm tall and 82 kg.

The values of the parameters that define each of these lattice structures (2) are:

"Cubic" type unit cell typology of the example in figure 1, 2 and 3: cell divisions or layers (2b) on the Z axis (that is, vertically or thickness (g) of the cushion) two; maximum cell length (2b): 30 mm; minimum thickness of the walls (2a) of the mesh: 2.5 mm; maximum thickness of the walls (2a) of the mesh: 4 mm.

Unit cell typology of the "star tet" type of the example in figure 4: divisions or layers of cells (2b) on the Z axis (ie, vertically or thickness (g) of the cushion) three; maximum cell length (2b) : 15 mm; minimum thickness of the mesh walls (2a): 1.5 mm; maximum thickness of the walls (2a): 3 mm

It should be noted that both the number of divisions in the Z axis and the maximum cell length (2b) are part of the "voxelization density" parameter, while the minimum and maximum thickness of the walls (2a) of the mesh make up the parameter. "mesh thickness" parameter.

Figure 3 shows a sectional detail view of the example of the cushion (1) shown in Figures 1 and 2, in order to appreciate the change in thickness in the internal walls (2a) of the cushion structure.

Preferably, the lattice structure (2) is obtained from 3D printing. For this, the technology of the company Carbón Digital Light Synthesis, or Carbon DLS, will be used, a resin-based 3d printing process that uses digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics and complex materials to produce polymeric parts. with good mechanical properties, a more than excellent resolution and an extraordinary surface finish.

In addition, it has a printing speed much higher than the rest of the market, which is a very important factor for the manufacture of these cushions.

Preferably, the material of the lattice structure (2) of the cushion (1) is an elastomer, specifically a material called EPU 44, from the Carbon company, which is a resistant, rigid, durable and flexible elastomer. It is an excellent material since it allows you to print very low-thickness lattice structures without worrying that it might break when receiving an impact. On the other hand, it is a sustainable material, with 40% biobased content.

Finally, figures 5-A, 5-B and 5-C show respective examples of the starting elements for the realization of the cushion (1) of the invention. Specifically, figure 5-A shows an example of the shape of the dimensional reference (4) initially defined, whose interior content will be conditioned by the information provided by the heat map (3), shown in figure 5-B, so that the product behaves in one way or another according to the different pressures exerted by the user. To do this, as shown in figure 5-C, the volume of the dimensional reference (4) initially defined is subdivided into smaller and independent entities (5) (called voxels) that will house a certain type of unit cell (2b) (disposition of beams, or props, and nodes or balls) and that will have different characteristics and thicknesses depending on the pressure zones (a, b, c...) represented in the heat map (3).

Preferably, the cushion (1) has a square plantar shape, with preferred dimensions of 400mm on each side (l) and 50mm thick (g).

Sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the matter understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims (7)

1. - Cushion with personalized cushioning, applicable to the support areas for the buttocks/legs (seats), to the support areas for the arms (armrests) and to the support area for the back (backrests) characterized by comprising a body lattice or lattice structure (2) of elastic or resilient material, defined by a framework of walls (2a) and cells (2b), which have variable thickness and density between some areas (a) and others (b) of said structure of the cushion (1) adaptable from the distribution of masses and pressures applied in a seated position by each individual user for whom each cushion (1) is intended, reflected in a heat map (3). 2. - Cushion with personalized cushioning, according to claim 1, characterized in that the density of the lattice structure (2) is adaptable according to the heat distribution of the map (3) of user pressures from which it is based for its design, in such a way so that in the areas where there is more support pressure (a), the lattice structure (2) presents a denser mesh, with thicker or closer walls (2a) and smaller cells (2b), while in the areas with lower pressure (b), the mesh is less dense, with thinner or separated walls (2a) and broader cells (2b). 3. - Cushion with personalized damping, according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the lattice or lattice structure (2) has two layers of cells (2b) in the Z axis; with a maximum cell length (2b) of 30 mm; a minimum thickness of the mesh walls (2a) of 2.5 mm; and a maximum thickness of the walls (2a) of the mesh: 4 mm. 4. - Cushion with personalized damping, according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the lattice or lattice structure (2) has three layers of cells (2b) on the Z axis; with a maximum cell length (2b) of 15 mm; a minimum thickness of the mesh walls (2a) of 1.5 mm; and a maximum thickness of the walls (2a) of the mesh: 3 mm. 5. - Cushion with personalized cushioning, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lattice or lattice structure (2) is a structure obtained from 3D printing. 6. - Cushion with custom cushioning, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lattice or lattice structure (2) is made of an elastomeric material. 7. - Cushion with custom cushioning, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a quadrangular plantar shape, with preferred dimensions of 400mm on each side (l) and 50mm thick (g).