Configurable Convective Device Air-Guide and Hose Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Convective devices with pneumatic structures face challenges in maintaining air flow and pressure when reconfigured, leading to kinking and pressure drops at bending areas, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for adjustable and secure connections with hoses.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an air-guide device within the pneumatic structure to direct inflation medium flow and reduce pressure drops during reconfiguration, along with a hose clamp featuring an encircling element and engaging components to ensure an air-tight and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumatic structure is reconfigured by bending, then the device can be adapted to different positions and shapes, but kinking and pressure drops occur at bending areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic structure is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently reconfigured. This segmentation allows bending to occur at designated flexible joints rather than creating kinks throughout the entire structure, maintaining air flow stability while enabling adaptability to different positions and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible couplings or intermediate elements are introduced at bending areas to mediate between the rigid pneumatic channels and the required angular changes. These intermediaries guide the air flow smoothly around bends, preventing pressure drops and kinking while allowing the structure to be reconfigured to various configurations.
2Reliability
If the connection between hose and convective device is made secure, then air-tightness is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system is replaced with a friction-based or deformation-based sealing mechanism. The hose clamp applies radial compression force to deform the hose material slightly, creating a friction fit that seals the connection without requiring complex threaded fasteners or multiple sealing components, thus maintaining air-tightness while simplifying the overall connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism utilizes changes in material parameters under compression - specifically, the hose material's elastic deformation under the clamp's pressure creates an interference fit that provides both mechanical strength and air-tight sealing. This parameter-based approach eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and complex assembly procedures.
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 air-guide device minimizes kinking and pressure drops during bending, while the hose clamp maintains a secure and air-tight connection, enhancing the performance and usability of convective devices.
Implementation Method 1
an air-guide device within the pneumatic structure adapted to direct flow of inflation medium
Implementation Method 2
The hose clamp includes an encircling element and an optional grabbing component extending from the encircling element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a configurable convective device, including two layers forming a pneumatic structure and an air-guide device. The pneumatic structure includes two portions and an inflatable channel connecting the two portions. In some cases, the air-guide device is disposed within or proximate to the inflatable channel and configured to direct flow of inflation medium when at least one of the two portions are bent.