Lattice based seat cushion to improve comfort and vibration isolation

A seat assembly for a vehicle, the seat assembly comprising:

• a seat frame;
• a seat cushion comprising a seat bottom coupled to the seat frame, the seat cushion having:
• a seating surface configured to support an occupant;
• a vibration isolation structure comprising a plurality of individual lattice blocks, the plurality of individual lattice blocks forming a two-dimensional lamina, the plurality of individual lattice blocks occupying a pattern based on a spatial weight distribution of an average occupant such that each of the plurality of individual lattice blocks has a stiffness value based upon a location in the pattern such that the plurality of individual lattice blocks cooperate to provide a negative stiffness against forces exerted by the occupant,
• wherein the vibration isolation structure exhibits an overall negative stiffness value configured to enhance a vibrational energy absorbance of the seat cushion in a range from about 0.5 Hz to about 5.0 Hz.

A method of isolating a predetermined vibration of a custom seat cushion of a vehicle, the method comprising:

• obtaining a spatial weight distribution for a specific occupant on a seating surface;
• creating a pattern correlating the spatial weight distribution for the specific occupant with individual lattice blocks having a bi-stable lattice and having different stiffness values based upon a location in the pattern, such that forces exerted by the specific occupant are evenly distributed across the custom seat cushion;
• forming a vibration isolation structure comprising a plurality of individual lattice blocks arranged according to the pattern;
• and
• incorporating the vibration isolation structure in a custom seat cushion such that the custom seat cushion exhibits a negative stiffness to isolate the predetermined vibration,
• wherein the vibration isolation structure exhibits an overall negative stiffness value configured to enhance a vibrational energy absorbance of the seat cushion in a range from about 0.5 Hz to about 5.0 Hz.