Floating Lounge with Adjustable Support Member for User Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional floating lounges have a fixed inner support structure that does not accommodate users of different sizes or those who want to change their position, leading to suboptimal comfort.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable, tubular buoyant body with a flexible support member made of plastic mesh, featuring connectors that allow the user to adjust the length and shape of the support by mating corresponding pairs, forming a sling-like configuration for customizable comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed inner support structure is used in traditional floating lounges, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not accommodate users of different sizes or those who want to change their position, leading to suboptimal comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted. The panel includes multiple connection points and adjustable elements that allow each section to be positioned separately, enabling customization for different user sizes and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions from a fixed structure to an adjustable dynamic structure. The panel can be reconfigured by moving connection points along the panel edges, allowing the support geometry to adapt to different users and positions, thereby improving comfort without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the inner portion is fixed in position and shape, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it may not provide optimum comfort for users of different sizes or for a user who desires to change his or her position or posture
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel is segmented into adjustable sections with discrete connection points. This segmentation allows users to easily reconfigure the support by moving connections between predefined points, providing operational flexibility while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple since all connection points are pre-positioned during fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure allows changes in geometric parameters such as panel angle, support height, and curvature by adjusting connection points. These parameter changes enable users to customize the support for different positions and postures, while the underlying panel structure remains a simple, manufacturable component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable support member is implemented, then user comfort and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple connectors and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanisms are designed to be universal and multi-functional. The same type of connector and connection point interface is used throughout the panel, allowing a single adjustment mechanism design to serve multiple adjustment locations. This reduces the variety of components needed while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows users to easily disconnect and reconnect panel sections to different positions. The connectors are designed for quick attachment and detachment, enabling users to reconfigure the support and then return to a standard configuration if desired, effectively allowing the system to be reset and reused without wear concerns.
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 users to select the most comfortable position by adjusting the support member, providing improved flexibility and adaptability for various user sizes and postures.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable, tubular, buoyant body member formed generally in the shape a rectangle, surrounding a support area
Data Source
AI summary
A floating lounge comprising an outer, buoyant member surrounding a support member in the form of a panel of material extending forward from the rear of the lounge. The support member wraps around the front end of the lounge and extends back toward the rear of the lounge. Connectors provided on the longitudinal edges of the support member allow the forward-extending portion of the support member to be secured to the rearward-extending portion to form a sling depending between the front and rear sides of the lounge, for supporting the user, and whereby the user may choose among several possible shapes for the support member by appropriately mating the sets of connectors.