One of the problems with formal research comparing these techniques is
that the results are very operator dependent, and a less experienced
manufacturer may not get the same result as a very experienced one.
I'm not aware of comparison studies, but I'll ask a PhD student who is
working in the field of special seating for comments....
Stephen Kirker MD FRCPI
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Addenbrookes Rehabilitation Clinic 9
Box 120
Addenbrookes Hospital
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
01223 217870 fax 01223 242038
[log in to unmask] www.EasternRehabGroup.org.uk
www.CambridgeAmputeeRehab.org.uk www.papworth.org.uk/rehab
-----Original Message-----
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Sent: 15 August 2008 12:21
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Subject: Comparison of Custom-Contoured/Moulded Seating Systems
Dear Colleagues,
I have a query relating to Custom-Contoured/Moulded Seating (CCMS) as
opposed to custom-manufactured planar systems. To the best of my
knowledge there exist the following manufacturing methods for CCMS:
- Foam-in-Place Seating (FIPS), where foam is blended on the spot and
the person sits into it as it forms around their body
- Foam-in-Box Seating (FIBS), where a shape is taken of a person using
bead bags, a plaster of Paris cast is made of this shape and then used
as a mould into which liquid foam is poured
- Moulded Seat Insert (MSI), where a shape is taken of a person using
bead bags, a plaster of Paris cast is made of this shape an then process
similar to that used for orthotic splints, involving vacuforming of a
thermoplastic, creates a moulded solid shell
- FoamKarve and similar, where a shape is taken of a person using bead
bags, and 3-D positioning devices are used to translated this into a 3-D
CNC machining tool that carves a shape in foam
- Bead Bag Resin System, where a shape is taken of a person using bead
bags and a resin is then inserted to solidify the beads into a moulded
cushion
- Matrix seating, where a shape is taken of a person using bead bags, a
cast is made of this shape around which the Matrix is draped and
tightened off
- Lynx seating, where a shape is taken of a person using bead bags, a
cast is made of this shape around which the Lynx is draped and tightened
off
- Hand Carved systems that start off as combined blocks of foam that are
incrementally carved to match the person's physical presentation
- Vacuform - a bead bag system where the air is withdrawn from the bead
bag and the person remains seated on it
(I think I have covered all the bases here and that these, albeit
simplistic, descriptions are accurate. If not please let me know.)
Question: Is anyone aware of any research having been carried out, or
could anyone point me in the direction of literature relating to the
comparison/critical analysis/justification of the different types of
CCMS and also any research into the methodologies employed in obtaining
the shape of the person and translating this into the final cushion
shape e.g. bead bag vs mechanical method vs 3-D imaging?
Thanking you in anticipation,
Kind regards,
John
John Tiernan BE(Hons) MEngSc CEng MIEI
Chartered Engineer,
Senior Clinical Engineer,
Eastern Region Postural Management Service,
Enable Ireland,
Sandymount Avenue,
Dublin 4,
Ireland.
Tel +353 1 2615926
Fax +353 1 2695816
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