Structured blanket assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beachgoers face issues with sand blowing onto their blankets and the blankets shifting, causing sand to get on both the blanket and the user, which is not effectively addressed by existing beach blankets.
Innovation Solution
A structured beach blanket with upstanding walls and corner support members made from elastic, semi-rigid material that can be easily assembled and collapsed for stability and protection from sand, while also being durable and breathable, with support members and hinges for enhanced stability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional flat beach blanket is used, then it is simple and easy to carry, but it cannot prevent sand from blowing onto the user and the blanket shifts easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional flat blanket into a three-dimensional structure by adding upstanding wall members that extend vertically from the base portion. This dimensional change creates enclosed sides that block sand from reaching the user while maintaining portability through the collapsible nature of the walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The blanket is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for lying on, and multiple upstanding wall members extending from the edges of the base. These segmented walls can be independently collapsed and stored, allowing the structure to transition from an enclosed three-dimensional form to a compact two-dimensional package for carrying.
2Stability of the object's composition
If upstanding wall members are added to create a structured blanket, then sand protection and stability are improved, but the blanket becomes more complex and harder to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The wall members are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to transition between an extended upstanding position that provides stability and sand protection, and a collapsed position for easy storage. The walls can be flexibly extended or collapsed as needed, adapting the structure to different usage states.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall members are constructed from flexible materials such as fabric or flexible plastic that can bend and collapse easily when not in use, yet maintain structural integrity when extended. This flexibility allows the walls to provide stable enclosure during use while being simple to collapse and store in a compact form.
3Ease of operation
If corner support members made from elastic material are used, then ease of assembly and collapse is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The corner support members are made from elastic material that provides self-supporting functionality. When the wall members are extended, the elastic corner supports automatically spring into position to maintain the rectangular configuration and provide structural reinforcement without requiring manual assembly or additional fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner support members utilize elastic material properties that allow them to deform during collapse and assembly, then return to their original shape to provide structural support. The elastic parameter changes enable the corners to transition between a compressed state during storage and an extended supportive state during use, maintaining strength while facilitating easy assembly.
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 structured beach blanket effectively keeps sand off the user and blanket, providing stability and ease of use with its collapsible design, suitable for various settings beyond beaches.
Implementation Method 1
Corner support member 21 may be formed from an elastic, semi rigid material such that corner portions 21a, 21b and 21c can easily be forced to collapse on themselves but which, when, released, spring back to their original form to keep the endwalls 12 and sidewalls 14 upstanding
Data Source
AI summary
A structured blanket assembly for use in locations such as a beach which provides for end and side walls to prevent unwanted materials from getting on blanket, while allowing for disassembly for transport and cleaning.