Inflatable Spa Air-Chamber Structure for Strength and Jet Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable spas lack strength, comfort, and longevity compared to permanent spas, and are difficult to assemble, disassemble, store, and transport due to their flexible and low-rigidity construction.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable spa incorporates a porous sheet with a tensioning structure in its air chamber, coupled to the walls via attachment sheets, which provides enhanced strength and comfort by maintaining shape under high pressure, and includes a control system for inflation, deflation, and aeration, as well as a jetted water system for improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inflatable spas are constructed with flexible and low-rigidity material, then they are more affordable and easier to transport, but they lack strength, comfort, and useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a porous sheet (providing structural strength) with an attachment sheet (providing flexibility and sealability). This composite structure allows the inflatable spa to achieve the strength of rigid materials while retaining the flexibility and portability of inflatable construction, resolving the contradiction between strength and affordability.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous sheet is strategically positioned at specific locations (such as the bottom and walls) where structural strength is most needed, while other portions of the inflatable spa maintain flexible material construction. This localized application of strong material provides necessary strength without compromising overall affordability and portability.
2Ease of operation
If inflatable spas use flexible and low-rigidity construction, then they are more affordable, but they are difficult to assemble, disassemble, store, and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable spa is divided into separate modular components including the porous sheet, attachment sheet, and inflatable walls. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured, packaged, and transported, then easily assembled together through simple attachment mechanisms, reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous sheet and attachment sheet are pre-assembled into integrated components before delivery. This preliminary assembly of critical structural elements simplifies the final on-site assembly process, as users only need to connect pre-prepared modules rather than assembling individual parts.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If inflatable spas lack structural strength, then they are easier to transport, but they lack comfort and useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable spa employs dynamic structural elements that can adapt to loading conditions. The porous sheet provides flexible structural support that maintains strength under various pressures and loads, while the inflatable construction allows the structure to be deflated for compact transport and inflated for use, extending useful life without permanently increasing transport volume.
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 solution significantly enhances the strength and comfort of inflatable spas, allowing them to withstand higher pressures and provide a more enjoyable experience with features like massaging air bubbles and jetted water, while also simplifying assembly, disassembly, storage, and transport through improved design and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The porous sheet includes a plurality of enclosed pores located entirely within the outer perimeter of the at least one attachment sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflatable spa (100) is disclosed comprising a water cavity (112), a control system (500), a water inlet pipe (600) that directs water from the water cavity (112) to the control system (500), a water outlet pipe (700) that returns water from the control system (500), a flexible water connecting pipe (770) extending from the water outlet pipe (700) and a plurality of spray nozzles (762), each spray nozzle (762) extending through the internal wall (106) and having an air hole (768) to deliver jetted water to the water cavity (112). The flexible water connecting pipe (770) extends between adjacent spray nozzles (762) and is concealed within the inflatable air chamber (110).