Aerostatic Airship Motorized Extension Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for fixing motorized extensions to flexible envelopes of aerostatic airships are either complex or fail to ensure balanced maintenance, leading to suboptimal propulsion and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a plate in contact with the flexible envelope, independent fixing parts forming a flange/counter-flange assembly, and force distribution rods to secure the motorized extension, allowing for adjustable firmness and balance through the arrangement and number of fixing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If motorized extensions are positioned in the middle of the flexible envelope for balanced propulsion, then propulsion balance is improved, but fixing the rigid motor arms to the flexible envelope becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fixing device comprising a plate, fixing parts, and a support base assembly. This intermediary structure mediates between the rigid motorized extension and the flexible envelope, enabling secure attachment without directly bonding rigid elements to the flexible surface. The plate provides a rigid mounting surface while the fixing parts adapt to the envelope's flexibility, resolving the contradiction between positioning for balance and achieving secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is segmented into multiple independent components: a plate, several independent fixing parts, and a support base. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the plate for rigid mounting, the fixing parts for adaptive attachment to the flexible envelope, and the support base for motorized extension fixation. The modular approach enables balanced positioning while simplifying the fixing process.
2Reliability
If a complex assembly of stays is used to hold motorized extensions firmly, then fixing firmness is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plate, fixing parts, and support base into an integrated flange/counter-flange assembly. This combination achieves firm fixation through the cooperative action of the components rather than requiring a complex assembly of separate stays. The plate and support base form a unified structure that simplifies installation while maintaining secure attachment to the flexible envelope through the multiple fixing parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the plate provides a mounting surface, the fixing parts secure the assembly to the flexible envelope, and the support base holds the motorized extension. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex stay assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fixing firmness.
3Ease of manufacture
If the plate is directly secured to the flexible envelope by welding or gluing, then fixing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to envelope shape and firmness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing parts are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to adapt to the flexible envelope's shape and movements. The independent fixing parts can flex and adjust to accommodate envelope deformation, maintaining firmness and balanced positioning. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by enabling simple attachment while ensuring reliable adaptation to the envelope's varying geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing parts utilize changes in their physical parameters (flexibility, position) to adapt to the envelope's shape. By allowing these parameters to vary within certain ranges, the fixing device maintains both simplicity of installation and firmness of attachment. The independent nature of the fixing parts enables them to adjust their configuration based on the envelope's local geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
This device (20) for attaching a motorized extension to a flexible envelope (24) of an aerostatic airship comprises a plate (22) intended to be in contact with the flexible envelope (24), means for attaching the plate (22) to an external face (26) of the flexible envelope (24), a base (28) for supporting the motorized extension, and elements (30) for attaching the support base (28) to the plate (22). The plate (22) and the support base (28) are designed to form a flange/counter-flange assembly. The means for fixing the plate (22) to the outer face (26) of the flexible casing (24) comprise several independent fixing pieces (32A, 32B), each having an end (34A, 34B) intended to be integral with the outer face (26) of the flexible casing (24) and a middle part (36A, 36B) clamped between the plate (22) and the support base (28) of the flange/counter-flange assembly using the fixing elements (30).