Inflatable airbed mattress internal support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable airbeds experience shape distortion and loss of structural stability when a user sits or lies on them, leading to discomfort due to increased internal pressure, and existing solutions either make the airbed heavy or cumbersome or increase production costs by using multiple chambers.
Innovation Solution
An internal support system comprising side support beams and an internal support wall that attaches to the top and bottom panels of the airbed, providing structural stability and resisting deformations while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design by creating a visual impression of stacked horizontal chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If internal structures are added to prevent shape distortion, then structural stability is improved, but the airbed becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The airbed is divided into multiple separate air chambers (first air chamber, second air chamber, third air chamber) that are connected through communication channels. This segmentation allows each chamber to independently support portions of the user's weight, providing structural stability without requiring a single heavy rigid structure. The chambers can be inflated to different pressures to optimize support and distribute loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible membrane walls to separate the air chambers instead of rigid structural elements. These thin flexible films maintain the shape of each chamber while allowing the overall structure to remain lightweight and adaptable. The flexible nature of these membranes enables them to respond to applied forces without adding significant weight, resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple horizontal chambers are stacked to prevent shearing forces, then structural stability is improved, but production cost increases and the airbed becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The airbed employs multiple horizontally stacked air chambers (first, second, and third air chambers) that resist shearing forces through their distributed structure. Each chamber independently absorbs and distributes shear forces, preventing the entire structure from deforming. This segmentation approach provides enhanced stability without requiring complex internal framing that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural support function with the cushioning function by using the air chambers themselves as both the support structure and the comfort element. Rather than adding separate rigid support beams or frames that would increase manufacturing complexity, the air chambers are designed to perform dual functions: providing structural resistance to shearing forces while also offering a comfortable sleeping surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an internal support structure for providing structural stability to an inflated airbed. The internal support structure may include an internal support wall connected to side panels by one or more side support beams. The internal support structure may further include corner support walls and a plurality of internal support beams to provide additional support.