Airship Envelope Shape Control via Internal Wall Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirigible balloons with flexible envelopes face challenges in maintaining shape control at varying altitudes and require significant volume expansion to accommodate internal balloons, leading to uncontrolled shape changes and increased drag.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible, leak-tight internal wall that separates the envelope into two gas-filled spaces, with a pumping device to control pressure and modify the envelope shape by bringing or moving points closer or further apart, allowing for adaptive shape adjustment based on atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If internal balloons are used to pressurize the light gas, then the envelope shape is maintained constant, but the envelope volume must be increased significantly (about 30%) to accommodate the balloons
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressurization function from internal balloons and relocates it to an external source. The pumping device draws ambient air and forces it into the interior space through distribution ducts, eliminating the need for volume-consuming internal balloons while maintaining envelope pressurization and shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces distribution ducts as intermediary components that transfer pressurized air from the external pumping device to the interior space. These ducts enable pressure regulation without requiring internal balloon structures, thus resolving the volume contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the envelope shape is allowed to vary with altitude, then the envelope can adapt to pressure changes, but the shape is not controlled and becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors monitor the interior space pressure and altimetry data track altitude changes. This feedback is processed by a control device that adjusts the pumping device operation to maintain desired pressure levels, ensuring controlled envelope shape adaptation during altitude variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamically adjustable envelope system where the pumping device can actively modify interior pressure in response to altitude changes. This dynamic control allows the envelope to adapt its shape predictably and controllably, rather than passively deforming with pressure changes.
3Volume of stationary object
If the envelope volume is reduced for storage, then the dirigible can be easier to store, but the shape control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamically controllable envelope that can transition between different volume states. The pumping device adjusts interior pressure to inflate or deflate the envelope as needed, allowing compact storage when deflated and full operational volume when inflated, while maintaining shape control throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pressure parameter changes to control envelope volume and shape. By varying the interior pressure through the pumping device, the envelope can be transformed between different operational states, enabling compact storage without permanent structural changes and maintaining shape control capability.
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 the dirigible balloon to change its external shape in flight, adapt to altitude changes, reduce volume for easier storage, and achieve lower drag for higher speeds, while maintaining stability and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping device adapted to force air into said second space so that the envelope takes on a second shape
Implementation Method 2
a wall located inside the envelope, said wall being flexible, being leaktight, extending longitudinally between the nose and the tail by separating the interior space of the envelope into a first space intended to be filled with said first gas and a second space intended to be filled with a second gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
An airship (1) comprising a flexible envelope (2), a wall (3) located inside the envelope, and a pumping means. The wall (3) extends longitudinally between the nose and the tail, separating the space inside the envelope into a first space (E1) and a second space (E2), said second space being located at the periphery of the envelope between a first point (P1) and a second point (P2). The pumping means is capable of inflating the second space in order for the envelope to assume a second shape, and of deflating the second space in order for the envelope to assume a first shape different from the second shape.