Inflatable Structure With Integrated Carrier and Sound-Muffling Blower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable play structures require external electric fans for inflation, posing safety risks due to exposed components and lack of integrated, efficient, and quiet inflation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable structure with an integrated inflation module containing a fan blower and sound-muffling air intake, which can be detached or attached to the base, allowing for easy storage and silent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external electric fan is used for inflation, then the inflation function is achieved, but safety risks increase due to exposed components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fan motor, air intake, and inflation conduit into a single unified inflation module that attaches to the inflatable structure. This merging of previously separate external components into one integrated unit eliminates exposed electrical fans while maintaining inflation functionality, directly resolving the safety issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation module is designed to attach to and become part of the inflatable structure's base, effectively nesting the inflation mechanism within the overall structure. The module can be detached for storage, creating a nested configuration where the inflation components are housed within or attached to the main structure rather than being externally exposed.
2Reliability
If an integrated inflation module is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is segmented into a separate, self-contained inflation module that attaches to the inflatable structure. This module includes the fan motor, air intake, and conduit as integrated components. The segmentation allows the complex inflation mechanism to be isolated as one unit, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining safety through integration.
3Ease of operation
If the inflation module is detached for storage, then ease of storage is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation module is designed with dynamic attachability, allowing it to be connected to or detached from the inflatable structure as needed. The connection mechanism enables the module to transition between an attached operational state and a detached storage state, providing flexibility in usage and storage configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation module serves multiple functions: it provides inflation capability when attached to the inflatable structure, and it serves as a self-contained storage unit when detached. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both operational and storage roles, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of storage.
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
Provides a safe, efficient, and quiet inflation mechanism that is easily stowable, reducing the risk of user contact with external components and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The inflation module has a fan blower powered by a fan motor. The fan blower draws air from the air intake and inflates the inflatable structure.
Implementation Method 2
The inflation module further includes an air intake. The fan blower draws air from the air intake and inflates the inflatable structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable device has an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure has an inflated mode and a deflated mode. The inflatable structure has an inflatable base. The inflation module is connected to the inflatable structure. The inflation module has a fan blower powered by a fan motor. The inflation module further includes an air intake. The fan blower draws air from the air intake and inflates the inflatable structure. The inflation module forms a storage housing. The storage housing receives the inflatable structure when the inflatable structure is in a deflated mode.