CUSHION IMMERSION SENSOR

• US 20160022521A1
• Filed: 11/18/2014
• Published: 01/28/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roho Incorporated (Permobil Holding AB)
• Original Assignee: Roho Incorporated (Permobil Holding AB)
• Inventors: Darnold, Leane, Meier, Kevin C., Fournie, Glenn G., Chaney, Thomas John, Peyton, Ross P.
• Granted Patent: US 9,901,499 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/10 with two or more independently-fillable chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/02 Seat parts adaptation of seats to mounting in tubular chairs A47C5/06; such parts not restricted to chairs A47C23/00; removable upholstered units or cushions A47C27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/34 for pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/40 for distance
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05769 with inflatable chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05776 with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric

Abstract

A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion designed to detect optimal immersion of the cushion user into the in the inflatable cushion. The immersion depth of a user positioned on the cushion is determined by sensing air pressure in the cushion. The sensor accurately reads changes in pressure as air exits the cushion to allow an algorithm to determine optimal internal cushion pressure for a user.

Claims

1. In an inflatable cushion having, a sensor for attachment to the cushion disposed to detect optimal immersion depth of a user seated on the cushion, the sensor comprising:

an inquiry actuator;

a remove air indicator;

an add air indicator;

a user immersion depth indicator;

a pressure transducer; and

a microprocessor appropriately programmed with an algorithm to detect optimal immersion depth of the seated user based upon a change in air pressure as air is released from the cushion.

2. The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a set-up actuator.

3. A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion comprising:

apparatus disposed to sense optimal immersion of a seated user in the inflatable cushion by sensing air pressure into the cushion, said sensor further comprising a microprocessor programmed to determine optimal immersion depth of the seated user based upon the air pressure in the cushion, volume of the cushion, a user'"'"'s weight; and

a surface area of cushion occupied by a properly positioned user.

4. A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion comprising apparatus disposed to sense optimal immersion of a seated user into the inflatable cushion by sensing air pressure changes as air is released from the cushion, said apparatus incorporating an algorithm to determine an optimal internal cushion pressure thereby determining an optimal immersion depth of a seated user.

5. A method of setting the optimal immersion of a user in an inflatable cushion having an immersion sensor operatively associated therewith, comprising the steps of:

overinflating the cushion;

positioning the user seated on the cushion;

actuating an inquiry actuator, whereby the sensor indicates the inflation status of the cushion;

releasing air from the cushion if the inflation status indicates the cushion is overinflated;

calculating through an appropriately programmed microprocessor associated with the sensor when the user is optimally immersed in the cushion; and

indicating through the sensor that the user is optimally immersed in the cushion and thereby indicating to stop of the release of air from the cushion.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of actuating a set-up actuator to set proper immersion after the step of actuating an inquiry actuator.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of releasing air from the cushion when the cushion is overinflated further comprising releasing air through a reduced out-flow valve.

8. An inflatable air cell cushion and immersion sensor combination, comprising:

an inflatable air cell cushion having a base and an array of inflatable air cells across the base;

an airflow conduit in fluid communication with the array of inflatable air cells;

an immersion sensor in fluid communication with the array of inflatable air cells; and

a reduced out-flow valve in the airflow conduit to control release of air from the array of cells.

9. The inflatable air cell cushion and immersion sensor combination of claim 8 wherein the immersion sensor further comprises:

a housing;

a pressure transducer;

an inquiry actuator;

a remove air indicator;

an add air indicator;

a user immersion depth indicator; and

a microprocessor.

10. The inflatable air cell cushion and immersion sensor combination of claim 8 wherein the reduced outflow valve further comprises a body dimensioned to seat within the airflow conduit, said body defining a longitudinal bore;

and

a plunger slidingly engaged in the longitudinal bore,

wherein the plunger is moved to a first position by the fluid force of air introduced into the array of cells through the airflow conduit, said first position allowing substantially unimpeded flow of air through the airflow conduit into the array of cells, and wherein the plunger is moved to a second position by the fluid force of air released from the array of cells through the airflow conduit, said second position allowing an impeded flow of air through the airflow conduit out of the array of cells.

11. A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion comprising apparatus disposed to sense optimal immersion of a seated user in the inflatable cushion by sensing air pressure into the cushion, said sensor further comprising a microprocessor appropriately programmed to determine optimal immersion depth of the seated user based upon the air pressure in the cushion as air is released from the cushion, volume of the cushion, a user'"'"'s weight;

and a surface area of cushion occupied by a properly positioned user.

12. A method of setting the optimal immersion of a user in an inflatable cushion having an immersion sensor operatively associated therewith, comprising the steps of:

overinflating the cushion;

positioning the user seated on the cushion;

actuating an inquiry actuator, whereby the sensor indicates the inflation status of the cushion;

releasing air from the cushion through a slow release valve if the inflation status indicates the cushion is overinflated;

calculating through an appropriately programmed microprocessor associated with the sensor when the user is optimally immersed in the cushion based upon changes in air pressure as air is released from the cushion; and

indicating through the sensor that the user is optimally immersed in the cushion and thereby indicating to stop the release of air from the cushion.