Air Mattress Cavity Structure for Flat Surface and Edge Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable mattresses suffer from surface irregularities due to cylindrical anchor separators, leading to reduced comfort and stability, especially when subjected to extra force, as they can collapse or form uneven bumps.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a middle layer with cross-sealed or half-sealed cavities that communicate with the inflatable bladder to form small air pockets, and using anchor separators with air holes to connect to this layer, which balances the surface and enhances edge support through additional shroud bands and riser vents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cylindrical anchor separators are used to keep the bladder level, then structural stability is improved, but surface smoothness deteriorates causing bumps and holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large bladder into multiple smaller interconnected chambers separated by vertical partitions. This segmentation allows each chamber to be independently supported by anchor separators, distributing the structural support function across multiple smaller units rather than one large continuous surface, thereby reducing the bumps and holes caused by anchor separators while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical partitions as intermediary elements between the anchor separators and the bladder surface. These partitions act as mediators that distribute the localized pressure and structural support from the anchor separators across larger surface areas, preventing the formation of bumps and holes while maintaining bladder level stability.
2Strength
If the shroud band is used to connect layers, then structural integrity is improved, but edge support deteriorates causing collapse under extra force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the edge support structure by dividing the bladder into multiple chambers with vertical partitions extending to the edges. This creates multiple independent edge support zones that can resist localized forces independently, preventing the collapse that occurs when a single continuous edge structure is overwhelmed by concentrated loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the mattress. The vertical partitions provide localized rigidity and structural support at critical areas where anchor separators connect to layers, while the overall bladder maintains flexibility. This localized reinforcement prevents edge collapse under extra force while preserving the necessary structural integrity throughout.
3Shape
If anchor separators are connected vertically to keep the mattress even, then surface evenness is improved, but contact area with body deteriorates reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bladder into multiple smaller chambers, the patent creates a surface topology where the anchor separators support smaller individual chambers rather than one large chamber. This segmentation allows the surface to maintain evenness through the distributed support structure while the partitions fill in the gaps between anchor separators, effectively increasing the total contact area with the user's body.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a flatter, more comfortable surface with improved evenness and increased support, as the air pockets act as air springs to absorb pressure and prevent rapid air flow, maintaining edge stability without collapsing.
Implementation Method 1
Some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, so as to form a plurality of small air-pockets on the surface of the mattress
Implementation Method 2
The shroud band 2′ connects the top and bottom layers 1′ and 4′ together to form an inflatable bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder. A middle layer below said top layer is partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, via a plurality of air vents in the middle layer, creating air-pockets arrayed on the top surface of the air mattress. The mattress may also comprise a middle shroud band and an inner shroud band, with a plurality of joint spots welded between the shrouds, creating a plurality of half-sealed cavities on the surface of the outer shroud band, with means to pass air between the inflatable bladder and the cavities, which slows the spreading speed of the air to the bladder and the cavities, so that the air mattress is even and level and the supporting strength of the air mattress is greatly improved.