Inflatable Product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable products, such as air mattresses and loungers, rely on tensioning elements to control shape after inflation, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inflatable product with an external wall composed of multiple parts with non-straight edges, concave and convex portions, and strip-shaped parts that connect to form a continuous unity wall, eliminating the need for conventional tensioning elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If tensioning elements are used to control shape, then shape control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes tensioning elements from the inflatable product structure entirely. Instead of using separate tensioning components, the invention integrates shape control functionality directly into the wall structure through non-straight edge designs with concave and convex portions that naturally constrain expansion during inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs non-straight edges with concave and convex portions in the wall structure. These curved geometric features inherently control the expansion and shaping of the inflatable product during inflation, replacing the need for linear tensioning elements while maintaining effective shape control.
2Shape
If tensioning elements are used to control shape, then shape control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates tensioning elements from the structure, reducing the number of components. The shape control function is achieved through the inherent geometry of the wall structure itself, specifically the non-straight edges with concave and convex portions, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the shape control function with the wall structure by integrating non-straight edge designs directly into the walls. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate tensioning elements, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective shape control.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-straight edges are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but shape control capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-straight edges with concave and convex portions in the wall structure. These curved geometric features inherently control the expansion and shaping of the inflatable product during inflation, replacing the need for linear tensioning elements while maintaining effective shape control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies non-straight edge designs with specific concave and convex portions at critical locations on the walls. These localized geometric features are strategically positioned to control expansion in specific areas during inflation, maintaining shape control capability where needed while simplifying other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable product includes an external wall. The external wall includes a plurality of parts. The parts include a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges are connected to each other. At least one of the edges is not straight wherein the edge includes a concave portion, a convex portion and/or a flat portion.