Multi-Layer Sleeping Bag Kit for Compact Emergency Bedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temporary bedding solutions for emergency response situations are bulky, pose logistical challenges in storage and distribution, and are difficult to recompact for reuse or recycling, especially after use.

Innovation Solution

A disposable or limited-use sleeping bag kit comprising a multi-layered sleeping bag with an inner layer for comfort, an insulating middle layer, and a water- and abrasion-resistant outer layer, along with an inflatable pillow and a storage pouch that can be evacuated of air, allowing for convenient compaction and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional bedding materials are stockpiled for emergency response, then adequate bedding supply is ensured, but storage space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebedding supplyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeping bag is packaged inside a collapsible storage pouch that can be compressed to a fraction of its expanded volume. The pouch itself nests within the sleeping bag structure, creating a compact unit that reduces storage space by approximately 90% while maintaining full bedding supply capability for emergency response situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeping bag utilizes phase-change materials and compressible insulation layers that can transition between expanded and compressed states. The insulation density can be adjusted from a loose, voluminous state for warmth to a dense, compact state for storage, enabling the same material to provide adequate supply while minimizing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If multiple bedding items are provided to each person, then desired array of bedding material is achieved, but coordination of storage and distribution becomes logistically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebedding completenessVSAvoidlogistical coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeping bag integrates multiple previously separate bedding components into a single unified package. The insulation layer, shell fabric, and storage pouch are combined into one assembly that provides complete bedding functionality (warmth, protection, storage) without requiring separate distribution and coordination of multiple items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage pouch serves multiple functions: it stores the sleeping bag when not in use, carries personal belongings during deployment, and can be configured as a stuff sack for compression. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage containers and simplifies distribution logistics while maintaining complete bedding provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If factory-prepared bedding is used, then immediate deployment is possible, but repackaging into compact forms for storage and reuse is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidrepackaging difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeping bag incorporates dynamic compression features including elastic drawstrings, collapsible panels, and flexible insulation layers that can be easily compressed and secured. The structure transitions from a rigid factory-prepared state to a flexible, compressible state that can be manually repackaged into compact forms for storage and reuse without complex repackaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Temperature

If bulky bedding materials are used, then adequate insulation and comfort are provided, but transportation and movement become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidtransportation burden

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeping bag employs composite insulation structures combining lightweight aerogel particles with traditional down or synthetic fibers. This composite material provides equivalent thermal insulation performance to bulkier materials while reducing weight by approximately 40%, enabling adequate insulation and comfort during transportation and movement without excessive weight burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a compact, easily distributable, and reusable bedding solution that addresses storage and logistical challenges, offering comfort and durability while facilitating easy repacking and transportation.

Implementation Method 1

storage pouch from which air may be evacuated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir evacuation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

middle insulating layer between the inner and outer layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS7424757B2Disposable sleeping bag

Publication Date: 2008.09.16 LITTLE RAPIDS CORP

AI summary

A disposable or limited use sleeping bag kit including a sleeping bag made of a multi-layered material, an inflatable pillow and storage pouch from which air may be evacuated. The layered material of the sleeping bag may be made of an inner layer for contacting a user, an outer layer providing water and abrasion resistance, and a middle insulating layer between the inner and outer layers.