Balloon Retaining Ring with Inflation Gas Channel for Concurrent Array Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a comprehensive solution for forming and inflating decorative balloon arrays that can be repeatedly inflated and deflated, conveniently transported in deflated form, and easily inflated at the point of use, while providing versatile decorative options.
Innovation Solution
A balloon retaining and inflating structure comprising a ring with balloon attachment barbs and an inflation gas channel, allowing for concurrent inflation of multiple balloons, and an assembly of linked structures for forming extended decorative arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If balloons are inflated individually using existing technologies, then each balloon can be inflated, but the process is time-consuming and cannot inflate all balloons concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is segmented into multiple independent inflation structures, each capable of inflating multiple balloons simultaneously. Each structure has its own inflation chamber and can operate independently or in parallel with other structures, enabling concurrent inflation of multiple balloons without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary inflation chamber is introduced as a mediator between the gas source and the balloons. The inflation chamber receives gas and distributes it to multiple balloons through interconnected pathways, enabling simultaneous inflation without requiring direct connection from the gas source to each individual balloon.
2Adaptability or versatility
If balloon arrays are designed for reuse, then they can be repeatedly inflated and deflated, but transportation and storage become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deflated balloons are designed to nest within the inflation structure or within each other when deflated. The interconnected pathways and chambers collapse into a compact form that can be easily stored and transported, while maintaining the capability for rapid re-inflation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation structure is designed to be dynamic, transitioning between an expanded state during inflation and a compact collapsed state during storage and transport. The flexible interconnected pathways and chambers allow the structure to adapt its form factor based on operational requirements.
3Productivity
If a comprehensive inflation system is designed to inflate all balloons concurrently, then productivity increases, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex inflation task is segmented into multiple independent inflation structures, each handling a subset of balloons. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single structure while maintaining the overall capability for concurrent inflation of all balloons through parallel operation of multiple structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation pathways and chambers are pre-configured and interconnected before use. The structure is prepared in advance with all necessary connections and pathways in place, allowing for immediate concurrent inflation when gas is introduced without requiring complex real-time coordination or 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
Enables the creation of balloon arrays of any shape or configuration that can be repeatedly inflated and deflated, facilitating easy transportation and convenient inflation at the site of use, while providing highly decorative and versatile balloon designs.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation gas channel within the ring which is in fluid communication with each of the balloon attachment barbs
Data Source
AI summary
Balloon retaining and inflating structures, assemblies, and methods which provide arrays of multiple balloons in any desired configuration, and wherein the balloons are simultaneously inflated and the array can be repeatedly inflated and deflated for re-use.