Custom Contoured Cushion: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

A good chair cushion not only provides comfort but also control the posture and to reduce the risk of pressure sore occurred. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical interaction between the cushion and user of wheelchair. The buttock model geometric, individual data’s of healthy male subject were acquired by 3D reconstruction form laser scanner, while the custom made cushion design based on the Tekscan Clinseat pressure assessment system data. A standard clinical experiment protocol for the collection of interface pressure distribution was developed. The pressure distribution data of buttocks-cushion interface was collected when the subject sat on an initial cushion. According to the pressure distribution data and parameters of cushion material that was acquired in the material test; an individual mathematics model was built and then transferred into CAD software to create the CAD model of the cushion deflection geometry.