Inflatable Cover Assembly for Altitude Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amateur athletes lack a cost- and time-effective alternative for altitude conditioning, which is typically reserved for elite athletes who can afford high-altitude training.
Innovation Solution
A portable athlete conditioning cover assembly that creates a pressurized chamber using an inflatable frame and cover, adjustable with a pump to reduce oxygen content, allowing for altitude simulation in local training environments such as swimming pools or running tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If athletes train at high altitude to improve endurance, then athletic performance is improved, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable hypoxic chamber that replicates high-altitude conditions at sea level. The chamber uses a pump to reduce oxygen content in the air, copying the hypoxic environment of high altitude without requiring actual travel to mountain locations. This allows athletes to experience altitude training effects while remaining at their local training facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable hypoxic chamber as an intermediary device between the athlete and the training environment. Instead of requiring the athlete to travel to high altitude, the chamber mediates by creating controlled hypoxic conditions locally, using a pump system to adjust oxygen levels and simulate altitude effects within the training area.
2Productivity
If athletes travel to high altitude for training, then endurance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable hypoxic chamber replicates high-altitude environmental conditions without requiring travel expenses, accommodation costs, or logistical expenditures associated with traditional altitude training. The pump-based oxygen reduction system creates the necessary hypoxic environment using locally available equipment, dramatically reducing the cost barrier for altitude training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable hypoxic chamber is used, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hypoxic chamber system is divided into separate functional components: the chamber structure itself, the pump system for oxygen reduction, and the control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to be portable and adaptable to different training locations while managing complexity through modular design. The pump can be positioned outside the chamber, and the chamber can be transported separately from the pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pump system to control the oxygen levels within the chamber, applying pneumatic principles to create the hypoxic environment. This approach simplifies the overall system compared to more complex mechanical or electronic oxygen removal systems, using readily available pump technology to achieve the desired atmospheric conditions.
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 amateur athletes to simulate altitude training at a local pool or track, providing a cost-effective and time-efficient method to improve endurance without the need for high-altitude travel.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment means comprises a pump that blows air of reduced oxygen content into the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cover assembly including a frame including at least one inflatable portion. At least one cover is supported by the frame to define a chamber. Adjustment means is provided for adjusting the air conditions (e.g. pressure or oxygen content) of the pressure chamber.