Multi-layer Boat Floating Tube with Buffer and Sealing Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat floating tubes made of Hypalon are prone to rupture under external force, leading to rapid air leakage and loss of buoyancy, while replacing them with EVA material increases the boat's weight.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer design for floating tubes featuring an inflatable air bag enclosed by a buffer and a surface layer unit with a sealing element, where the buffer provides a holding space for the air bag and the surface layer unit seals the assembly slot hole, preventing quick air leakage even if the air bag is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floating tubes are made of Hypalon material, then flexibility and buoyancy are improved, but durability deteriorates because the tubes rupture easily under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The floating tube is divided into multiple independent layers: an inner Hypalon layer for flexibility and buoyancy, and an outer EVA layer for durability and impact resistance. Each layer performs its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining Hypalon material (for flexibility and buoyancy) with EVA material (for durability and impact resistance). This composite design allows the floating tube to simultaneously achieve both flexibility and high durability without compromising either property.
2Reliability
If floating tubes are made of EVA material, then durability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies EVA material only in specific locations where impact resistance is needed (the outer protective layer), while the inner layer remains Hypalon for buoyancy. This localized application of durable material provides protection without uniformly increasing the weight of the entire floating tube system.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines lightweight Hypalon (for buoyancy) with EVA (for durability), achieving high durability while minimizing weight increase compared to using solid EVA construction.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer floating tube design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because air leaks quickly when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The floating tube is segmented into multiple protective layers (inner Hypalon layer and outer EVA layer), where each layer provides a barrier against air leakage. When the outer layer is damaged, the inner layer remains intact to maintain buoyancy, significantly improving air retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer EVA layer serves as a protective cushion that absorbs external impacts before they reach the inner air-containing layer. This beforehand protection prevents direct damage to the air barrier, ensuring continuous air retention even under external force.
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
The multi-layer design enhances the durability of floating tubes by preventing air leakage and maintaining buoyancy without significantly increasing the boat's weight, ensuring the floating tubes retain their functionality upon impact.
Implementation Method 1
each floating tube device is provided with an inflatable air bag... the floating tube 12 can be flexible and can provide buoyancy force
Implementation Method 2
the surface layer unit is provided with a sealing element which corresponds to the assembling slot hole and is used to seal that assembling slot hole again
Implementation Method 3
a buffer which encloses at an outer periphery of the air bag, and a surface layer unit which encloses at an outer periphery of the buffer. The buffer provides a holding space for emplacing the air bag
Data Source
AI summary
A boat that is provided with floating tubes in a multi-layer design is composed a plurality of floating tube devices which are installed respectively at a left and a right side of a hull, and is provided with an air bag, a buffer, and a surface layer unit. The buffer is provided with a holding space and an assembling slot hole; whereas, the surface layer unit is provided with a sealing element which is used to seal the assembling slot hole, such that the floating tube devices are configured as a multi-layer design to facilitate balance, anti-collision, and increase of chance of survival.