System and Method of In-Place Functionalization of 3D Regions and Arrays Thereof, in VLAP Cushions, as Integrated VLAP Pressure Sensing Cushions

• Main Authors: ZAPPETTINI, Andrea, BETTELLI, Manuele, VILLANI, Marco, COPPEDE, Nicola, PIANA, Andrea, DEFRANKS, Michael Stephen
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.06.2024
• Subjects: BEDS; CHAIRS; COFFEE MILLS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; FURNITURE; HUMAN NECESSITIES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; SOFAS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

Methods include functionalizing, into a compressible pressure varying electrical conductance device, a portion of a compressible nonwoven material (CNM) cushion. A process includes forming within a three-dimensional (3D) target region of the CNM cushion a columnar distribution of non-solidified conductive polymer, and converting the columnar distribution of non-solidified conductive polymer into a columnar compressible pressure varying electrical conductance structure. The columnar distribution of non-solidified conductive polymer extends along a column axis. Forming the columnar distribution includes injecting into at least a portion of the 3D target region a liquid carrying conductive polymer in suspension. The columnar compressible pressure varying electrical conductance structure includes mutually separated masses of solidified conductive polymer respectively supported by mutually separated flexible fibers of the compressible nonwoven material. Optionally, forming the columnar distribution of non-solidified conductive polymer includes a first injection followed by partial drying, and a second injection.