Balloon Launching Apparatus Matrix Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balloon-launching apparatuses face increased size and dead space issues when a large number of housing sections are required, necessitating a solution to reduce apparatus size while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A balloon-launching apparatus with a matrix arrangement of housing sections, each in a box shape with an upper opening, is integrated into a container with a divided chamber system and a rail-based carriage for efficient operation, featuring a net to prevent balloon sticking and independently movable canisters for maintenance, allowing for reduced size and improved workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of housing sections is increased to launch more balloons, then the observation coverage is improved, but the apparatus size increases due to dead space in conventional rotary table arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional rotary table arrangement (2D circular layout) to a matrix arrangement (2D grid layout with rows and columns). This dimensional reorganization allows housing sections to be packed more efficiently, reducing dead space and minimizing the overall apparatus footprint while accommodating a larger number of housing sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into multiple independent housing sections arranged in a matrix, each capable of holding and launching a balloon. The holding member is also segmented with multiple openings to accommodate individual housing sections. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration and efficient space utilization.
2Productivity
If conventional rotary table arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but dead space increases reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing housing sections in a matrix grid rather than a circular rotary table layout, the patent eliminates the central dead space inherent in rotary designs. The matrix arrangement allows for more compact packing of housing sections, maximizing the usable area and improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of repair
If housing sections are fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but maintenance and replacement require high machine accuracy and increase downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed with movable and removable features, allowing housing sections to be easily inserted and extracted. The opening and closing mechanism enables dynamic access to housing sections without requiring precise machine positioning, facilitating quick maintenance and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each housing section is an independent, modular unit that can be individually removed from the holding member. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service specific housing sections without affecting the entire apparatus, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for high machine accuracy during maintenance.
4Reliability
If balloons are launched from conventional arrangements, then the launch function is achieved, but wet conditions cause balloons to stick and fail to launch properly
Solution Approach 1:
The net is extracted and suspended within the balloon-launching chamber to create a non-stick surface. This net structure prevents balloons from contacting and sticking to the chamber walls during inflation and launch, particularly effective in wet conditions where adhesion would normally occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a balloon-launching apparatus capable of reducing an increase in the size of the apparatus when a large number of housing sections for housing observation balloons are provided. A balloon-launching apparatus 1 includes a plurality of housing sections 41 each formed in a box shape having an opening 321 that opens in an upper part thereof and configured to house a balloon 21, the housing section 41 launching the balloon 21 from the opening 321. The plurality of housing sections 41 are arranged in a matrix shape. Due to the matrix arrangement of the housing sections 41, the balloon-launching apparatus 1 can reduce the creation of dead space even when a large number of the housing sections 41 are disposed and can thus reduce an increase in the size of the balloon-launching apparatus 1.