Air Manifold for Simultaneous Balloon Cluster Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon display technologies are inefficient and costly due to the need for individual inflation and frequent replacement of balloons, which can be affected by temperature changes and degradation, leading to unsymmetrical and unattractive displays.
Innovation Solution
A center air manifold system that allows simultaneous inflation and deflation of plastic polymer balloons, maintaining a symmetrical and color-coordinated cluster, with the option to replace individual balloons easily, using a hollow manifold body with outwardly extending air ports and an air tube for compressed air delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If balloons are inflated individually and secured using string and cord, then each balloon can be inflated separately, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent replacement of punctured or deflated balloons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual balloon inflation operations into a single simultaneous operation by connecting multiple balloons to a common air manifold. The manifold serves as a shared air supply system that can inflate multiple balloons at once, eliminating the need for separate inflation operations for each balloon and significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The air manifold is designed as a multi-functional device that can both inflate and deflate multiple balloons simultaneously. It serves as a universal air handling system for the entire balloon cluster, replacing the need for multiple separate inflation devices and enabling efficient setup and teardown operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Mylar or foil balloons are used, then they can be made to expand with temperature changes, but they pop, wrinkle, and sag, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from Mylar/foil to plastic polymer balloons, which have different thermal and mechanical properties. This material substitution eliminates the popping and wrinkling issues while maintaining the ability to respond appropriately to temperature changes, thereby improving reliability and reducing replacement frequency.
3Ease of manufacture
If latex balloons are used, then they can be inflated easily, but they become oxidized, chalky, and deflated over time, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic polymer material that combines the ease of inflation of latex with superior durability and resistance to oxidation and degradation. This composite material solution maintains the simple inflation process while dramatically improving longevity and reducing the need for replacement.
4Ease of operation
If individual balloons are secured with string and cord, then each balloon can be independently attached, but the cluster cannot maintain tight symmetrical arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the balloon cluster into modular units that are attached to specific positions on the air manifold. Each balloon or small group of balloons is connected to a designated port on the manifold, allowing for systematic assembly that ensures proper spacing and symmetrical arrangement while maintaining the ability to independently attach and replace individual units.
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 quick, cost-effective inflation and deflation of balloon clusters, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintaining an attractive, symmetrical display over time, suitable for various indoor and outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
The air tube has one end attached to and in fluid communication with the manifold body. An opposite end of the air tube is adapted for receiving the compressed air therethrough and into the manifold body.
Implementation Method 2
When the compressed air is received through the air tube and into the manifold body, the balloons attached to the manifold air ports are inflated
Data Source
AI summary
An air manifold adapted for attaching to an air fill opening in a side of plastic, polymer balloons and receiving compressed air therein. The air manifold includes a hollow manifold body with a plurality of outwardly extending manifold air ports attached to and spaced around an outer circumference of the manifold body. The air ports are adapted for releasable or permanent attachment to the air fill openings in the side of the balloons. The manifold body also includes an air tube. The air tube has one end attached to and in fluid communication with the manifold body. An opposite end of the air tube is adapted for receiving the compressed air therethrough and into the manifold body. When the compressed air is received through the air tube and into the manifold body, the balloons attached to the manifold air ports are inflated for forming a balloon cluster around the manifold body thus providing an attractive and decorative display.