Multi-Chamber Air Cell Structure to Prevent Mattress Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional narrow-cell air mattresses suffer from insufficient internal pressure and are prone to air cell inversion and bending due to their design, which affects the comfort and support provided to users.
Innovation Solution
The air cell device features an air cell with upper and lower connection segments having curved portions that cross each other, partitioning the air cell into three chambers, and an air transfer unit for controlled inflation and deflation, allowing for even weight distribution and preventing bending or inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If narrow-cell air cells are designed to maximize contact area with user's body, then the contact area is improved, but the air cells are prone to inversion and bending due to insufficient internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The air cell interior is divided into multiple independent air chambers by partition walls, with each chamber capable of maintaining independent internal pressure. This segmentation allows the narrow air cell to provide sufficient support pressure while maintaining stability, preventing inversion and bending issues that occur in single-chamber designs
Solution Approach 2:
Curved portions are added at specific locations (upper and lower connection segments) of the air cell to reinforce structural integrity in critical areas. These localized structural enhancements prevent bending at connection points without requiring the entire air cell to be wider, thus maintaining the narrow profile while improving reliability
2Strength
If the height of air cells is increased to provide sufficient support, then the support capability is improved, but the air cells are more likely to undergo inversion and bending
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tall air cell into multiple shorter air chambers separated by partition walls, each chamber maintains sufficient support capability while the segmented structure reduces the likelihood of inversion and bending that affects single-chamber designs of equivalent height
Solution Approach 2:
Curved portions are incorporated at the upper and lower connection segments to distribute stress more evenly throughout the structure. This curvature prevents stress concentration at sharp corners, reducing the risk of inversion and bending while maintaining the necessary height for support
3Stress or pressure
If multiple air chambers are created by partition walls, then the internal pressure distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air cell is divided into multiple air chambers using partition walls that extend vertically through the cell. This segmentation improves internal pressure distribution to prevent bending and inversion, while the modular partition design allows for relatively simple manufacturing and assembly processes
4Strength
If the air cell walls are joined to form connection segments, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Curved portions are formed at the upper and lower connection segments where air cell walls join. These curved transitions distribute stress more evenly and prevent stress concentration at sharp corners, improving structural integrity. The curved portions can be formed using standard molding or forming processes, making the manufacturing complexity manageable
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 design effectively mitigates air cell bending and inversion, enhancing user comfort by ensuring even pressure distribution and support across the air mattress.
Implementation Method 1
The air transfer unit is in fluid communication with an inside of the air cell and an outside of the air cell to transfer air
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an air cell device and an air mattress system thereof. The air cell device includes an air cell which has therein an upper connection segment and a lower connection segment. The upper connection segment and the lower connection segment each have a curved portion whereby the air cell is partitioned to become a multilayered air cell so as to mitigate air cell bending or air cell inversion, thereby improving the lying human being's comfort.