Modular Water Mat Assembly for Compact Storage and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water mats are difficult to store and transport due to their fixed size and shape, requiring multiple people to roll them and lacking flexibility for space-efficient storage, and they often become misshapen when rolled.
Innovation Solution
A modular, configurable water mat composed of interchangeable sections with buoyant foam inserts and fabric sleeves, allowing for adjustable length, easy folding, and secure attachment options for convenient storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water mat is made as a single continuous flat slab, then it provides a stable floating surface, but it becomes difficult to store and transport, requiring multiple people to roll and making it hard to fit in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The water mat is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected together. Each section contains a buoyant insert within a fabric sleeve, and sections are joined using expansion fasteners. This segmentation allows the mat to be easily folded, stored, and transported by a single person while still providing a stable floating surface when assembled.
2Volume of stationary object
If a water mat is rolled up for storage, then it saves space, but it becomes misshapen and difficult to roll after extended use
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mat into rigid modular sections connected by fasteners, the structure maintains its shape when folded for storage. Each section retains its structural integrity, allowing the mat to be folded into a compact, organized package rather than a misshapen roll.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface when in use to a compact three-dimensional folded structure for storage. The modular design allows it to fold neatly along defined edges rather than collapsing into an irregular shape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a water mat is made with fixed length and width, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be adjusted to different sizes for various users or uses
Solution Approach 1:
The mat consists of standardized modular sections that can be connected in different quantities to create various lengths. Each section is manufactured independently with identical components (buoyant insert, fabric sleeve, expansion fasteners), maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling size customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic configurable structure. Users can add or remove sections and adjust the overall length and configuration based on different users or activities, while each individual section remains a simple, standardized component.
4Ease of repair
If a water mat is made as a single piece, then it is durable, but damage requires replacement of the entire mat
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design isolates damage to individual sections. If one section becomes damaged, only that specific section needs to be replaced or repaired, while the remaining sections continue to function. This significantly reduces repair costs and time compared to replacing an entire solid mat.
Solution Approach 2:
Damaged sections can be easily removed and replaced with new ones, or the fabric sleeve can be removed for cleaning or replacement. The buoyant inserts and connection mechanisms can be recovered and reused in new sections, extending the overall lifecycle of the mat system.
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
Enables a water mat that can be easily expanded or shortened, remains flat during use, and folds conveniently for single-person transport and storage, while also being customizable and repairable.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor section includes a first buoyant insert... The intermediary section includes a second buoyant insert...
Data Source
AI summary
A water mat assembly having selectively attachable modular panels is disclosed. The water mat comprises a buoyant solid core insert that is inserted into a sleeve made of fabric. The sleeve may be couple to other sleeves to form an assembly of floating panels. The end panels may have grommeted ports for tethering the mat assembly to a dock or water vehicle.