Foldable Water Pad Assembly With Reinforced Grommet Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assemblies and pads are not adaptable for use as a water pad and lack features such as grommets, grommet pads, cup holders, and living hinges, which are essential for structural integrity and configuration flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A water pad assembly comprising a water pad member with grommets, cup holders, and living hinges, fabricated from materials like poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) and coated with elastomers, allowing for floating support and configuration conversion between deployed and storage modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing furniture assemblies are used, then basic seating function is provided, but they lack structural integrity and adaptability for water pad applications
Solution Approach 1:
The water pad assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the water pad member itself, multiple grommets for attachment, grommet pads for reinforcement, cup holders for convenience, and living hinges for folding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall adaptability for water activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with the water pad member made from polymeric resin (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) and incorporates rubber or plastic grommets, grommet pads, and living hinges. This combination of materials provides both the buoyancy and flexibility needed for water pad adaptability while ensuring structural integrity through the reinforced grommet areas and durable hinge mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the water pad is designed with multiple features (grommets, cup holders, living hinges), then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated water pad assembly. The grommets, grommet pads, cup holders, and living hinges are all incorporated into one unified structure made from the water pad member material. This merging provides configuration flexibility for various water activities while avoiding the complexity of separate assembled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The water pad member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides buoyancy, structural support, attachment points for gear (via grommets), cup holders for beverages, and foldable capability (via living hinges). This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without increasing device complexity, as all features are integrated into the single pad structure.
3Reliability
If grommet pads are added to reinforce structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet pads are merged with the water pad member in a single molded construction. The pad is formed with recesses or integrated sections that receive and reinforce the grommets, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This integration improves structural integrity at the grommet attachment points while maintaining ease of manufacture through one-step molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet pads are made from the same polymeric resin material as the water pad member, creating a composite structure with enhanced integrity at critical attachment points. This use of composite materials reinforces the grommet areas without requiring additional manufacturing processes, as both components are formed together in the same molding operation.
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 water pad assembly provides enhanced structural integrity and flexibility, enabling safe floating support in open water and easy storage, with materials selected for durability and buoyancy.
Implementation Method 1
a water pad assembly adapted to floatingly support a human in open water
Data Source
AI summary
A water pad assembly adapted to floatingly support a human in open water, including: a water pad member and a plurality of grommets and/or cup holders.