Inflatable Play Structure with Self-Inflation Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable play structures for ball sports lack sufficient rigidity for effective performance during play and are difficult to inflate, especially for novice users like children, as they require additional equipment such as pumps and complex connections.
Innovation Solution
A play structure with an inflatable frame featuring a single chamber for easy inflation, an annex chamber housing a foam inflation module, and non-return valves for air injection and suction, allowing inflation without a pump and enhancing stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mouth valve is used for inflation, then the structure is easier to deploy without additional equipment, but the rigidity and hold during play are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure is divided into multiple independent chambers instead of a single large chamber. This segmentation allows each chamber to be inflated to optimal pressure independently, collectively providing sufficient rigidity and structural support while maintaining ease of inflation through simple mouth valves on each chamber
2Strength
If a pump is used for inflation, then sufficient rigidity is achieved, but the structure becomes bulkier for storage and transport and requires complex connections
Solution Approach 1:
The external pump is extracted and replaced by integrating the inflation function directly into the inflatable structure itself through elastic members (springs) that are pre-installed within the chambers. This eliminates the need for separate inflation equipment while maintaining the ability to achieve sufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable structure performs its own inflation function through integrated elastic members that automatically expand the chambers when air is introduced through simple mouth valves, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex inflation mechanisms
3Strength
If a pump is used for inflation, then rigidity is achieved, but the connection process becomes difficult for novice users like children
Solution Approach 1:
The structure inflates itself using simple mouth valves that require no technical knowledge to operate. The elastic members inside automatically perform the inflation work when air is blown through the valves, making the process accessible to children and novice users without requiring them to understand or operate complex pump connections
4Volume of moving object
If the frame is made inflatable for easier storage and transport, then compactness is improved, but the rigidity during play is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple inflatable chambers that can be collapsed together for compact storage and transport. During use, each chamber inflates independently to provide structural rigidity, achieving both compactness when deflated and strength when inflated
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses flexible inflatable chambers made of durable material that can be easily folded and stored when deflated, yet provide sufficient structural support and rigidity when inflated, allowing the frame to transition between compact storage state and functional rigid state
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 structure achieves sufficient rigidity for play while being easily deployable by a child, with improved stability and ease of inflation, eliminating the need for additional equipment and complex connections.
Implementation Method 1
housing an inflation module so that it can, by pressing on said chamber, be compressed on a compression stroke and return to a stable state on a decompression stroke
Implementation Method 2
a first non-return valve being arranged between said chamber and the frame to allow the injection of air into said frame on the compression stroke
Implementation Method 3
a second non-return valve being arranged between said chamber and the outside to allow the suction of air into said chamber on the decompression stroke
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a play structure for practising a ball sport, the structure comprising an inflatable frame (1) comprising an attached chamber (6) that is sealingly attached to the outside of the frame (1), the chamber accommodating an inflation module (7) such that, by pressing on the chamber, it can be compressed over a compression stroke and return to a stable state over a decompression stroke, a first non-return valve (8) being arranged between the chamber and the frame (1) in order to allow air to be injected into the frame over the compression stroke, a second non-return valve (9) being arranged between the chamber and the outside in order to allow air to be sucked into the chamber over the decompression stroke.