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 preventing deformation by creating a visual impression of stacked horizontal chambers while allowing air to pass through for easier inflation.
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 weight increases making the airbed heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The airbed is divided into multiple horizontal chambers stacked vertically, with each chamber providing localized structural support. The internal support walls segment the single large chamber into smaller compartments, distributing the load and preventing shape distortion without requiring a single heavy internal structure throughout the entire airbed.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal support walls are made from the same flexible material as the airbed itself, allowing these structural elements to remain lightweight while still providing the necessary support. The thin film material maintains flexibility for portability while creating the rigid structural framework needed to prevent distortion.
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 to inflate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple horizontal chambers are merged into a single integrated structure using internal support walls that divide but connect the chambers. This unified design allows the entire airbed to be inflated through a single valve while maintaining the structural benefits of multiple chambers, reducing production complexity and cost compared to manufacturing separate chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal support walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the airbed into horizontal chambers for structural stability, provide attachment points for the chambers, and maintain the overall shape of the airbed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If internal support walls are added to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but the airbed becomes more cumbersome to handle and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The internal support walls are constructed from flexible material that allows the entire airbed structure to be folded and rolled for storage and transport. Unlike rigid internal frameworks, these flexible walls bend and conform during packing, maintaining structural integrity when inflated but allowing easy handling when deflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal support structure transitions from a rigid state during use to a flexible, compact state during storage. When inflated, the walls maintain their shape-providing function; when deflated, they collapse with the airbed material, reducing bulk and making the airbed easy to pack and carry.
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.