Inflatable Multi-Chamber Body for Zoned Pressure Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable bodies, such as mattresses and cushions, lack the ability to modulate internal air pressure for different zones of Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) values, which is essential for providing varying levels of support to different anatomical areas, often resulting in either compromised support or sharp transition zones.
Innovation Solution
The design features independent fluid-fillable chambers created by a primary enclosure formed by two major panels with an intermediate panel extending between them, allowing for the creation of isolated chambers with tensile members to manage pressure and maintain structural integrity, while using low melting point polyurethane coatings for bonding and aesthetic preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a multi-chambered air bed uses discrete tension members in the form of coils to provide mattress stability, then mattress stability is improved, but the construction complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible intermediate panels with integrated septa to create multi-chamber structures. These thin film barriers provide chamber separation and structural stability without requiring discrete tension members like coils. The flexible panels maintain mattress stability through their inherent structural properties while simplifying the overall construction and manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate panel extends from one major panel perimeter to another to create chambers, then independent chambers are formed, but the joining complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediate panels with integrated septa that extend between major panels to create independent chambers. The septa are positioned at the perimeters of the intermediate panels, allowing for simplified joining processes. Each chamber can be independently sealed and inflated, reducing the complexity of creating airtight seals across the entire structure.
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 solution enables the creation of inflatable bodies with customizable IFD zones without modifying standard construction techniques, maintaining aesthetic quality and allowing for independent pressure modulation in each chamber, thereby providing tailored support without sharp transitions.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a low melting point polyurethane coating is described
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable body including first and second fluid impervious major panels, each having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter, and further including a fluid impervious intermediate panel having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. A first perimeter portion of the intermediate panel is joined to the inner surface of the first major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof, and a second perimeter portion of the intermediate panel, which is generally opposed to the first perimeter portion, is joined to the inner surface of the second major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof. The first and second major panel perimeters are joined to each other, defining a primary enclosure having first and second chambers separated by the intermediate panel, and at least one sealable orifice in fluid communication with the environment and at least one chamber.