Inflatable Cushion Structure With Intersecting Stretch Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable cushions face structural weakness and reduced lifespan due to the detachment or breakage of connection members, leading to undesired deformation when subjected to tensile or stretching forces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating longitudinal and lateral stretch bands made of stretchable materials, arranged to overlap and intersect within the cushion's interior space, which are jointed to the top and bottom layers using ultrasonic fusion to distribute and absorb tensile forces, thereby enhancing structural strength and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connection members (strip-like, board-like, or cylindrical structures) are used to connect top and bottom surfaces, then the inflatable cushion can maintain desired shape and structural strength, but the connection members are prone to breakage or detachment when subjected to tensile forces, reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of connection members from conventional rigid materials to elastic stretchable materials. This parameter change allows the connection members to elongate under tensile force without breaking, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and preventing breakage/detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible elastic stretchable materials for connection members, replacing rigid structures. These flexible materials can deform and stretch to accommodate tensile forces while maintaining connection integrity, thus improving reliability without sacrificing structural strength.
2Shape
If rigid connection members are used to maintain cushion shape, then structural strength is improved, but the connection members cannot accommodate stretching forces, leading to breakage and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastic stretchable, enabling the connection members to dynamically adapt their shape during use. This allows the cushion to maintain its overall shape while the connection members can stretch temporarily to accommodate forces, preventing breakage and extending lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to connection members through elastic materials. Instead of static rigid structures, the connection members can dynamically stretch and recoil, adapting to varying forces during use. This dynamic behavior prevents breakage while maintaining shape stability over extended periods.
3Reliability
If elastic stretchable materials are used for connection members, then the risk of breakage from stretching is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specialized materials and construction methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic stretchable materials that serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection, accommodate stretching forces, and maintain connection integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components or complex construction methods, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
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 overlapping and intersecting arrangement of stretch bands effectively distributes tensile forces, enhancing the structural strength and durability of the inflatable cushion, reducing the risk of damage from stretching or pulling, and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the longitudinal stretch bands and the lateral stretch bands are made of materials having better stretchability so that the potential risk that the first connection sections and the second connection sections are torn apart or broken or otherwise damaged due to stretching or pulling can be reduced
Implementation Method 2
portions of the longitudinal stretch bands are jointed to the top layer by means of ultrasonic fusion to form the first connection sections and the portions of the lateral stretch bands are jointed to the bottom layer by means of ultrasonic fusion to form the second connection sections
Data Source
AI summary
An improved structure of an inflatable cushion includes: a top layer constituting a surface of the inflatable cushion, a bottom layer constituting an undersurface of the inflatable cushion, and a side layer constituting a circumference of the inflatable cushion such that the inflatable cushion defines an interior space. Longitudinal stretch bands and lateral stretch bands are arranged in the interior space in such a way that portions of the longitudinal stretch bands are jointed to the top layer to form first connection sections and portions of the lateral stretch bands are jointed to the bottom layer to form second connection sections. The lateral stretch bands and the longitudinal stretch bands intersect each other and the first connection sections and the second connection sections oppose each other in a vertical direction.