Airbed Internal Web Structure for Shape Retention and Foldability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbeds face issues with internal tensioning structures that add weight and bulk, making them cumbersome to fold and store, and do not provide a desired appearance or prevent over-inflation effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sheet-based or strip-based internal structure with connection points on the top and bottom surfaces of the air mattress, forming a web-like configuration that maintains the airbed's shape, prevents over-inflation, and prevents the surfaces from shearing, while being lightweight and easy to transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional internal tensioning structures (strips with strings or wires) are used, then the airbed achieves its intended shape and prevents over-inflation, but the airbed's weight increases and it becomes cumbersome to fold and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible sheet made of thin material (such as fabric or plastic) as the internal tensioning structure. This sheet can be easily folded and stored when not in use, unlike rigid conventional structures. The sheet maintains the airbed shape through its flexibility and ability to conform to the inflated form while providing necessary tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of tensioning from heavy rigid structures and implements it through a lightweight sheet with attachment points. By removing the bulky strips and strings/wires and replacing them with a minimal sheet structure, the design achieves the same shape-maintaining function with significantly reduced weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional internal tensioning structures are used, then the airbed maintains its shape, but the airbed becomes cumbersome to fold and store
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet structure allows the airbed to be easily folded and stored by conforming to compact shapes when deflated. The thin film nature of the sheet enables it to bend and fold without resistance, making storage simple while maintaining structural stability when inflated through its attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet structure transitions from a dynamic, flexible state during folding and storage to a stable, tensioned state during inflation. This dynamic adaptability allows the same structure to provide structural support when needed while being easily stowed when not in use.
3Strength
If conventional internal structures are used, then the airbed achieves structural support, but the appearance is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet is positioned internally and can be made from materials that are visually appealing or can be concealed within the airbed's aesthetic design. Unlike external strips or wires, the thin film sheet can be integrated into the overall appearance scheme, providing structural support while maintaining or enhancing the visual appeal.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional internal structures are used, then the airbed maintains shape, but the structure does not effectively prevent over-inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet structure provides continuous feedback through its tensioning as the airbed inflates. As inflation increases, the sheet becomes increasingly taut and resistant, naturally preventing over-inflation. The attachment points distribute this feedback force evenly across the structure, providing reliable over-pressure protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An air mattress comprises an internal structure for helping the air mattress maintain a desired geometric shape when inflated and for preventing shearing of the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress. The internal structure comprises a plurality of connection strips or a mesh web that are attached to a plurality of top surface connection points and bottom surface connection points.