Inflatable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable pads are prone to tearing at the ends of the welding lines, which affects the flatness and overall usability due to weak welds.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a top and bottom piece with welding points and lines where one of the welding points is positioned a predetermined distance from each end of the welding lines, with a diameter greater than the width of the lines, and arranged in a matrix pattern, using thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer materials, and optionally a thermal insulation layer for enhanced comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If welding lines are used to join the top piece and bottom piece, then the inflatable pad maintains a flat surface, but the ends of the welding lines are easily torn off
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous welding line is segmented by adding welding points at predetermined intervals. Each welding point acts as a reinforcement node that divides the welding line into multiple sections, preventing tear propagation along the entire welding line while maintaining the flat surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Welding points are strategically positioned at locations where tears are most likely to occur (at the ends of welding lines). These localized reinforcement points provide enhanced strength exactly where needed, without requiring the entire welding line to be overly robust, thus maintaining overall flatness while addressing specific weakness points.
2Reliability
If welding points are added to reinforce welding lines, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The welding structure is enhanced by changing the parameters of the welding process - specifically by adding discrete welding points at predetermined distances from the ends of welding lines. This parameter modification (adding points at specific intervals) improves durability without fundamentally changing the welding methodology or requiring complex multi-step processes.
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
This configuration enhances the durability and flatness of the inflatable pad, preventing tears and improving user comfort and service life by distributing stress evenly and providing thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of welding points at which the top piece is welded to the bottom piece; and a plurality of welding lines along which the top piece is welded to the bottom piece
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable pad may further comprise a thermal insulation layer disposed between the top piece and the bottom piece
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable pad is provided including a top piece and a bottom piece comprising an outer periphery welded to an outer periphery of the top piece, thereby defining an inflatable chamber between the top piece and the bottom piece. The inflatable pad further includes a plurality of welding points at which the top piece and the bottom piece are welded to each other and a plurality of welding lines along which the top piece and the bottom piece are welded to each other. One of the plurality of welding points is disposed as predetermined distance from each end of each of the plurality of welding lines.