Portable foldable surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor yoga and meditation practices face challenges due to unstable natural surfaces and weather conditions, which can hinder effective practice and safety.
Innovation Solution
A foldable surface composed of multiple panels with a rigid base layer and a resilient layer, designed to be movable between open and stacked configurations, providing a stable and comfortable surface for activities on uneven outdoor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid base layer is used to provide stability on uneven outdoor surfaces, then stability is improved, but the surface becomes less comfortable and resilient
Solution Approach 1:
The surface panel combines a rigid base layer (providing stability) with a resilient layer (providing comfort), creating a composite structure that delivers both stability and comfort simultaneously. The rigid base layer resists deformation on uneven surfaces while the resilient layer provides cushioning for user comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple surface panels are used to cover larger areas and provide stability, then stability and coverage are improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to store
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel is a complete functional unit with rigid and resilient layers, allowing the surface to be extended or reduced based on needs while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with each panel fitting into the space created by adjacent panels. This nesting arrangement minimizes storage space requirements while allowing the panels to be quickly deployed and configured into a stable surface when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the resilient layer is made thicker to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but the overall thickness and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient layer is positioned specifically between the user and the rigid base layer, concentrating the cushioning function where it is most needed for comfort. The rigid base layer provides structural support, while the resilient layer locally addresses comfort requirements without requiring excessive overall thickness.
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
The foldable surface effectively smooths out inconsistencies in outdoor surfaces, offering stability and comfort for users during yoga, meditation, or other activities, while being portable and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient layer that is positioned adjacent to the base layer, the resilient layer having a resilient layer second surface that faces in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable surface for supporting a user relative to a support surface during an activity includes at least three surface panels that are movably coupled to one another with one or more panel connectors. Each of the surface panels includes (i) a rigid base layer having a base layer first surface that faces in a first direction, and (ii) a resilient layer that is adjacent to the base layer, the resilient layer having a resilient layer second surface that faces in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The surface panels are movable between an open configuration wherein the surface panels cooperate to form a substantially planar surface that can be positioned adjacent to the support surface, and a stacked configuration wherein the surface panels are positioned substantially side-by-side with the base layer first surface of one surface panel directly facing the base layer first surface of an adjacent surface panel.