Portable inflatable mat structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camping mats are not suitable for polar environments due to inadequate temperature blocking and are often heavy and bulky, increasing the risk of hypothermia and requiring excessive equipment.

Innovation Solution

A portable inflatable mat structure with layered wavy blocking layers and a support layer made of lightweight materials, designed to reduce air convection and block low-temperature radiation, featuring an upper and lower covering layer connected by thin sheets with integrated blocking layers and a support layer for enhanced warmth retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single-layer aluminum foil pad is used under the sleeping mat, then the low-temperature conduction is reduced, but the effect of keeping out the cold is insufficient for polar environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold blocking effectVSAvoideffectiveness in polar environments

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blocking layer into multiple segments (first blocking layer and second blocking layer) separated by air gaps, rather than using a single continuous layer. This segmentation creates multiple thermal barriers that collectively provide superior insulation against extreme cold in polar environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining aluminum foil blocking layers with air gaps (vacuum insulation principle). This composite design integrates the high reflectivity of aluminum foil with the insulating properties of trapped air, creating a multi-functional thermal barrier that outperforms single-material solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If traditional camping mats are used, then basic sleeping function is provided, but they are heavy and bulky, increasing equipment weight

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film structures for both the covering layers and blocking layers. These flexible thin films provide the necessary thermal insulation and structural function while maintaining extreme lightness and compactness when deflated, dramatically reducing equipment weight for portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an inflatable bladder structure that can be expanded to provide structural support and thermal insulation, then deflated to minimize volume and weight for transport. This pneumatic approach allows the mat to provide full functionality when needed while occupying minimal space and weighing little during transit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Temperature

If existing sleeping mats are used, then basic insulation is provided, but they lack adequate temperature blocking effect for polar environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarmth retentionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the first blocking layer and second blocking layer are positioned within the overall mat structure at different heights, with air gaps between them. This nested arrangement maximizes thermal insulation within a compact form factor, providing enhanced temperature blocking without requiring excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 mat effectively resists ground temperatures, reducing the risk of hypothermia by trapping heat and providing improved warmth retention, suitable for polar environments while maintaining portability and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the blocking layer has a plurality of notches. A support layer is provided on the lower edge of the blocking layer below the upper covering layer... the blocking layer is in the form of an elongate sheet, and has a wavy shape... can reduce air convection and block low-temperature radiation greatly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir convection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Each blocking layer is in the form of an elongate sheet, and has a wavy shape... the mat can reduce air convection and block low-temperature radiation greatly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12440043B2Portable inflatable mat structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 CATHAY CONSOLIDATED INC

AI summary

A portable inflatable mat includes an upper covering layer and a lower covering layer. A plurality of light and thin connecting strips are connected between the upper covering layer and the lower covering layer. Particularly, a wavy blocking layer is provided between the upper covering layer and the lower covering layer, thereby reducing air convection and blocking lower-temperature radiation. A support layer is provided below the blocking layer to achieve a limit function and keep heat trapped. The mat is able to block air convection and low-temperature radiation, making it ideal for camping and polar environments.