Modeling and Experimental of the Mechanical Behavior of Seat Cushion for Wheelchair Users

Abstract

Abstract The cushions assistance to the pressure ulcers (PUs) prevention has like objective to improve wheelchair users by decreasing the effects of pressure between the both surfaces. Innovating honeycomb cushion (HC) containing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which has many advantages was studied using a biomechanical and digital model for simulation. We used the finite element method (FEM) for the cushion simulation and modelization. This method led to the structural decomposition of the cushion in the aim to evaluate his mechanical behavior. This comportment was simulated numerically by FEM on cell of the cushion, then on the whole cushion. The tests of compression carried out with the electromechanical press (INSTRON 33R4204 machine) on HC permitted to determine curves related to his mechanical behavior. The result helps the comparison with the numerical model developed in this study. This result permits to study the distribution of pressure, shearing, friction and the microclimate which are sources of PUs through HC. The idea following this work is to optimize the HC in the aim to present a new product satisfying the needs for wheelchair users. The design of HC for prevention assistance of the scabs in only one layer is possible and present many advantages: optimization of the manufacturing process, improved ventilation, facilitated cleaning and decreasing cost.