This article presents the development of a hybrid model with pneumatic lag effects for the smart seat cushion which can be extended to any active aircell cushion. Smart seat cushion is one such rehabilitation device which reduces the risk of pressure injury formation by automatically performing repositioning exercises for wheelchair users. Operation of the smart seat cushion device can be greatly enhanced by accurate prediction of pneumatic line lag during its various modes of operation. The proposed model combines a linear model from literature to capture the effects of pneumatic line lag and a bang-bang scheduling controller to enable efficient use of pneumatic components in the smart seat cushion device. The resulting simulation is validated by conducting multiple runs of uniform inflation experiment with the device, and comparing the closed loop behavior of the model. The hybrid modeling allows accurate prediction of pnuematic line lag in the smart seat cushion during various modes of redistribution and offloading. The modeling accuracy and the prediction of switching times for discrete states can be improved by data sampled at a higher rate from the device.


Modeling and Simulation of Aircell Actuator Seat Cushion With Pneumatic Line Lag and Capacitative Effects

Division / Sponsors: 
Dynamic Systems & Control (DSCD)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/DSCC/DSCC2020/volume/84270

DSCC2020 - Virtual Conference

Supporting the need among researchers worldwide for additional online and multimedia content, ASME now offers the ASME Conference Video Collection. This platform will collect and provide long-term access to conference presentation videos, encompassing all technology areas within ASME's technical conference and events program. About 30,000-40,000 engineers across all mechanical engineering and related disciplines participate in ASME conferences each year. This includes authors of approximately 6,000 to 8,000 technical papers published by ASME, the majority of whom also submit video presentations for our virtual conferences. The video collection will be available as an add-on to existing product packages or as a separate subscription.