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Self-Reconfiguration Furniture
Published in Witold M. Sokolowski, Cold Hibernated Elastic Memory Structure, 2018
After intensely researching SMAs and SMPs, an alternative way of achieving shape recovery is to use shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs). SMPUs have a lightweight cellular structure that exhibits much higher deformability than SMPs. Shape memory foam combines reasonable stiffness at room temperature with easy deformation when heated above the glass transition temperature (Tg). Upon reheating, the low density allows full shape recovery without the need of fiber reinforcement. An important advantage for the valorization is the availability of SMPUs at an acceptable cost for mass production and volume applications. The combination of the interesting SMPU characteristics, the know-how on foam behavior and processing, and the material availability creates the opportunity to explore and valorize the use of SMPUs for self-reconfiguring objects.
Analysis of the external acoustic meatus for ergonomic design: part I – measurement of the external acoustic meatus using casting, scanning and rapid estimation approaches
Published in Ergonomics, 2021
Hao Fan, Suihuai Yu, Mengcheng Wang, Mei Li, Jianjie Chu, Yishu Yan, Shuai Zhang, Dengkai Chen, Carisa Harris-Adamson
Ear-plugs rest/insert into the EAM from the entrance to the first bend, and sometimes extend to the second section or the second bend based on the specific design requirements (i.e. hearing protection). The soft and plastic materials (i.e. soft-polyurethane/memory foam, silicone) are commonly selected for such designs. Usually the cross-sectional size of ear-plugs is slightly larger than those of the target consumers. An earplug could fit the EAM by deformation and recover after removal from the ear within 1 minute (Figure 7). Some basic suggestions for targeted dimension application to design include:
A systematic review of the effectiveness of pressure relieving cushions in reducing pressure injury
Published in Assistive Technology, 2021
While more expensive, viscoelastic foam is easy to shape and provides the user with a firm supportive surface. Commonly known as “memory” foam, viscoelastic foam lacks the springy quality of polyurethane foam, which means that it holds its position when deformed. This gives it a much better pressure relieving characteristic as it complies to pressure and ultimately redistributes the user’s weight more evenly throughout the surface. It also dissipates heat away from the body and is longer lasting and longer wearing than polyurethane (Stephens & Bartley, 2018).