Peripheral Air Chamber Structure for Air Mattress Edge Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air mattresses with multiple inflatable chambers suffer from edge sagging, making it difficult for users to get on and off and increasing the likelihood of rolling off, due to less supportive and compressible peripheral edges.
Innovation Solution
An air mattress system with two contiguous inflatable air chambers and a peripheral air chamber around the perimeter, connected to a reversible air pump and control system, which allows for independent pressure adjustment and additional support to prevent edge sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple independently inflatable chambers are used for multiple users, then user comfort and support are improved, but peripheral edges become less supportive and compress easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple air chambers into a single continuous air mattress structure with interconnected chambers, where the peripheral edges are integrated into the overall air support system rather than being separate structural elements. This allows the air pressure to distribute support throughout the entire mattress including the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from the air chambers to provide structural support to the peripheral edges. The air-filled chambers create internal pressure that prevents edge collapse and sagging, replacing traditional rigid structural support with pneumatic support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral edges are made thinner to accommodate multiple chambers, then multi-user capability is improved, but edge sagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air chambers into a unified pneumatic structure where the chambers are interconnected and share air pressure, creating a stable peripheral edge structure that can accommodate multiple users without sacrificing edge stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the peripheral edges by inflating them with air pressure, transforming them from thin, flexible material into a stable, supportive structure that maintains its shape and provides edge support for multiple users.
3Strength
If air chambers are made more supportive at the edges, then edge sagging is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the edge support function into the existing air chamber structure by making the chambers continuous and interconnected, eliminating the need for separate edge reinforcement components or additional structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air chambers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide user support, define the mattress boundaries, and reinforce the peripheral edges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
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 system provides improved comfort and structural integrity by minimizing edge sagging, allowing easier access and reducing the risk of unintentional rolling off, while maintaining ease of deflation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
An air pump is connected with each of the air chambers
Implementation Method 2
peripheral air chamber operatively connected to and arranged around the perimeter of the two contiguous inflatable air chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An air mattress system includes two contiguous inflatable air chambers arranged side by side and operatively connected to form an air mattress and a peripheral air chamber operatively connected to and arranged around the perimeter of the two contiguous inflatable air chambers. An air pump is connected with each of the air chambers, and a control is provided for controlling the operation of the air pump.