Flexible Air Passageway System for Inflatable Pool Aeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable pools and spas without rigid frames face challenges in circulating air due to the difficulty of integrating rigid piping for water aeration systems, which complicates setup, teardown, and portability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible air passageway system constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials, including annular, linear, and injection passageways, integrated into the sidewalls and floor of inflatable spas to distribute air evenly and efficiently, eliminating the need for rigid piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid piping is added to inflatable pools for water aeration, then air circulation capability is improved, but device complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid piping with flexible air passageways constructed from soft, flexible material that can be integrated into the inflatable pool structure. The flexible material allows the pool to be inflated and deflated without rigid components, maintaining portability while enabling air circulation for water aeration through the flexible passageway system embedded in the pool walls and floor.
2Reliability
If rigid piping is integrated into inflatable pools, then air delivery function is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible air passageway system is constructed from soft, collapsible material that can be easily folded and stored when not in use. The flexible construction allows the entire pool with integrated air delivery system to be rolled up or folded into a compact form, maintaining full air delivery functionality while dramatically improving portability and storage efficiency compared to rigid piping systems.
3Productivity
If rigid piping is used for air injection, then air distribution efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible air passageways are manufactured as integral parts of the inflatable pool structure using flexible material that can be heat-sealed or welded into the pool walls and floor. This integration eliminates the need for separate rigid piping installation steps, allowing the air distribution system to be manufactured as a unified flexible structure that maintains efficient air delivery while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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
Enables efficient air circulation and aeration within inflatable pools and spas, improving setup and teardown efficiency, enhancing portability, and providing a universal solution for air and water jet systems without the limitations of traditional rigid piping.
Implementation Method 1
an air passageway system includes an annular air delivery passageway, a linear air delivery passageway, and one or more air injection passageways
Implementation Method 2
one or more apertures for dispersing air from the one or more air injection passageways into water contained within the inflatable spa
Data Source
AI summary
An air passageway system (100) includes an annular air delivery passageway (132), a linear air delivery passageway (112b), and one or more air injection passageways (134a-1341, 116). The annular air delivery passageway (132), the linear air delivery passageway (112b), and the one or more air injection passageways (134a-1341, 116) are constructed from flexible polyvinyl chloride walls.