Modular Inflatable Platform Interconnection and Cooler Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional inflatable furniture is limited to individual units and lacks the ability to be modularly interconnected, making it difficult to maintain social distance and stability when used in conjunction with other units, and there is a need for a system that allows for configurable and stable floating platforms with integrated cooling and item storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular inflatable platform system with interconnectable units featuring recesses for coolers, lashing points for secure attachment, and magnetic apparatus for securing personal items, allowing for stable and configurable floating surfaces that can be used for sitting, walking, or laying, and incorporating handles for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inflatable furniture is used as individual units, then each unit is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to maintain social distance and stability when used in conjunction with other units
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable system is divided into separate modular units, each with standardized interconnection features. Each inflatable unit includes attachment points and connection mechanisms that enable systematic assembly into larger configurations, allowing users to create custom arrangements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable units are designed with universal interconnection features that allow the same basic unit to be used in multiple configurations. The standardized attachment points and connection mechanisms enable each unit to function both independently and as part of various modular arrangements, providing versatility without increasing individual unit complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple inflatable units are placed close together for social interaction, then social interaction is enhanced, but stability and proximity maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable units come pre-equipped with attachment points and connection mechanisms already integrated into their structure. These preliminary features enable users to quickly connect units together before use, establishing stable relative positions in advance rather than attempting to adjust positions during use, thereby maintaining both social proximity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection mechanisms and attachment points serve as intermediaries between separate inflatable units. These intermediary features facilitate controlled connection and positioning, allowing units to be securely linked while maintaining stable relative positions, thus enabling social interaction without the challenge of drift or separation.
3Ease of operation
If coolers are placed on the top surface of inflatable platforms, then item accessibility is improved, but the center of gravity rises and tipping risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler storage solution transitions from horizontal placement on the top surface to vertical integration within recesses in the side walls of the inflatable structure. This dimensional change allows coolers to be stored at an elevated position for accessibility while maintaining a lower center of gravity relative to the platform's buoyant elements, thereby improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Coolers are nested within recesses formed in the side walls of the inflatable structure. This nesting arrangement integrates the coolers into the overall structure, providing accessible storage while positioning the weight lower and more centrally, which enhances platform stability without sacrificing item accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inflatable designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but configurability and module interconnection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular units, each manufactured using simple, consistent processes. The segmentation allows for mass production of identical basic units with integrated connection features, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling unlimited configurability through assembly of these standard modules into various arrangements.
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 modular system provides a stable and configurable floating platform that allows for increased social interaction, secure storage of items, and improved user comfort with integrated cooling and secure item attachment, enhancing the usability of inflatable furniture in outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
The recess of the inflatable platform constrains the cooler therein to provide buoyancy and to prevent the tipping of the inflatable platform
Implementation Method 2
magnetic apparatus for securing personal items
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an inflatable and floatable modular platform system wherein certain embodiments comprise an adjustable back-rest. The inflatable platform system of the present disclosure includes floating elements of differing shapes and sizes configured to be interconnected in order to allow users to stand, sit, and walk between floating elements. Embodiments include inflatable platforms having circular, arc-shaped, rectangular, and L-shaped inflatable platforms.