Inflatable mat having blocking structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleeping mats fail to effectively block air convection and temperature radiation, leading to increased risk of hypothermia in cold environments, and are often heavy and cumbersome, failing to meet the needs of lightweight and portable outdoor gear.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable mat with a blocking structure composed of laminated polyester film (Mylar®) and non-woven fabric layers, and optionally thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), forming spaced spaces to block air convection and temperature radiation, with adjustable layer configurations for varying performance and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a single-layer aluminum foil pad is used under the sleeping mat, then the weight is reduced, but the effectiveness of blocking low-temperature conduction and air convection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of sleeping matVSAvoidlow-temperature conduction and air convection

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite blocking units comprising polyester film material (Mylar®) laminated with non-woven fabric, and optionally thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This composite structure provides both weight reduction and effective thermal blocking properties, resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and thermal protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer blocking structure to a multi-layer composite structure with spaced layers. The blocking units are arranged in multiple dimensions with air gaps between them, creating a three-dimensional blocking system that enhances thermal protection while maintaining lightweight characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing sleeping mats are made heavier to improve thermal insulation, then the effectiveness of blocking air convection and temperature radiation is improved, but the portability and ease of storage are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair convection and temperature radiation blockingVSAvoidportability and ease of storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film materials including polyester film (Mylar®) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to create flexible blocking units that provide effective thermal insulation. These thin films achieve superior blocking performance without adding significant weight, maintaining portability and ease of storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking structure is divided into multiple discrete blocking units that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation creates air gaps between layers, enhancing thermal blocking effectiveness through reduced convection while keeping each individual unit lightweight and the overall structure portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the blocking units are made with multiple layers of polyester film and non-woven fabric, then the temperature radiation blocking is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature radiation blockingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polyester film material with non-woven fabric through lamination to create composite blocking units. This composite material approach provides effective temperature radiation blocking while using standard manufacturing techniques, avoiding excessive complexity in the production process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 mat effectively blocks air convection and temperature radiation, reducing the risk of hypothermia and meeting lightweight, portable requirements for outdoor use.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of blocking units are disposed between the top covering layer and the bottom covering layer, so that a plurality of spaced spaces are formed among the top covering layer, the blocking units and the bottom covering layer, so as to block air convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir convection blocking: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250338970A1Inflatable mat having blocking structure

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CATHAY CONSOLIDATED INC

AI summary

An inflatable mat includes a top covering layer, a bottom covering layer, and a plurality of strip-shaped connecting members connected between the top covering layer and the bottom covering layer. The peripheries of the top covering layer and the bottom covering layer are joined and closed. The connecting members are thin and light. A plurality of blocking units are disposed between the top covering layer and the bottom covering layer, so that a plurality of spaced spaces are formed among the top covering layer, the blocking units and the bottom covering layer, so as to block air convection and temperature radiation.