Inflatable Floating Mat With Divided Cavity Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable floating mats take a long time to inflate due to their large size when deflated, requiring significant waiting time for users before they can be used.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a top sheet and a lower sheet connected by a circumferential weld line to form an inflatable cavity, divided by a dividing weld line into sub-cavities, with two inflating and deflating ports allowing simultaneous inflation of both sub-cavities, along with shaping weld lines for stability and buoyancy, and features like sealing plugs and protective sheets for safety and material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the floating mat is designed as a single large inflatable cavity, then it provides sufficient space for water activities, but it takes a long time to inflate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inflatable cavity into multiple sub-cavities (first sub-cavity and second sub-cavity) using a dividing weld line. Each sub-cavity has its own inflating and deflating port, allowing simultaneous inflation through multiple ports, thereby reducing overall inflation time while maintaining the total volume needed for water activities.
2Productivity
If the floating mat is divided into multiple sub-cavities, then inflation time is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cavity is segmented into sub-cavities using dividing weld lines that connect to the circumferential weld line, creating a modular structure. Each sub-cavity can be independently inflated through dedicated ports, improving efficiency while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflating and deflating ports serve dual purposes: they are used for both inflation and deflation operations. The same ports and valve mechanisms are utilized for both filling and emptying the sub-cavities, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shaping weld lines are added to improve structural stability, then the number of components increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaping weld lines are integrated directly into the sheets during the manufacturing process, forming three-dimensional shapes without requiring separate components or assembly steps. The weld lines create ridges and contours that provide structural stability while being produced as part of the sheet fabrication itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheets with shaping weld lines form flexible inflatable structures that gain rigidity and stability when inflated. The shaping weld lines create permanent three-dimensional contours in the flexible material, providing structural support without requiring rigid components or complex assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable floating mat, includes a top sheet and a lower sheet superimposed one above another to form a body; a circumferential weld line, which is connected end to end along an edge of the body, to connect and seal the top sheet and the lower sheet, the top sheet, the lower sheet and the circumferential weld line enclose an inflatable cavity; a dividing weld line on the body, two ends of the dividing weld line are respectively connected at different positions of the circumferential weld line, the dividing weld line divides the inflatable cavity into a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, and two inflating and deflating ports, a first one of the two inflating and deflating ports is in communication with the first sub-cavity, and a second one of the two inflating and deflating ports is in communication with the second sub-cavity.