Inflatable airbed mattress internal support system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Inflatable airbeds experience shape distortion and loss of structural stability when a user sits or lies on them, leading to discomfort due to increased internal pressure, and existing solutions either make the airbed heavy or cumbersome or increase production costs by using multiple chambers.

Innovation Solution

An internal support system comprising side support beams and an internal support wall that attaches to the top and bottom panels of the airbed, providing structural stability and preventing deformation by creating a visual impression of stacked horizontal chambers while allowing air to pass through for inflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If internal structures are added to prevent shape distortion, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases making the airbed heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal support structure is divided into multiple discrete components: side support beams positioned between side panels, internal support walls extending vertically, and corner support walls. This segmentation allows the structure to provide stability through distributed support points rather than a single heavy framework, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure utilizes thin-walled inflatable chambers and panels rather than rigid heavy materials. The side support beams, internal support walls, and corner support walls are constructed as flexible inflatable elements that provide structural stability through air pressure rather than dense material, significantly reducing weight while preventing shape distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple horizontal chambers are stacked to prevent shearing forces, then structural stability is improved, but production cost increases and the airbed becomes more cumbersome to inflate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated support structure. The side support beams, internal support walls, and corner support walls work together as a unified system within one inflatable chamber, providing shear resistance and shape stability without requiring multiple separate chambers. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs while maintaining structural performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: side support beams prevent wall bowing, internal support walls maintain vertical structure, corner support walls reinforce edges, and the integrated system resists shearing forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate chambers for each support function, reducing production complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11045012B2Inflatable airbed mattress internal support system
Publication Date: 2021.06.29 POLYGROUP MACAU BVI
  • US11045012B2 patent drawing
  • US11045012B2 patent drawing
  • US11045012B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed technology includes an internal support structure for providing structural stability to an inflated airbed. The internal support structure may include an internal support wall connected to side panels by one or more side support beams. The internal support structure may further include corner support walls and a plurality of internal support beams to provide additional support.