D-Shaped Inflatable Boat Wall Maximizes Interior Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable boats with collapsible front and side walls suffer from reduced interior space due to the cylindrical shape of their flanges, which limits the usable volume and passenger space while maintaining the same dimensions as rigid-hulled boats.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first inflatable element with flat parallel faces and a second D-shaped element, connected by a flexible assembly device, maintains contact between the elements to optimize space without compromising stability or foldable characteristics, and optionally using a removable rigid floor for added support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flanges are made with a cylindrical shape of circular section, then the boat maintains structural stability and can be fully inflated, but the interior space is reduced by half the volume of the tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the flange cross-section from a symmetric circular shape to an asymmetric D-shape. This asymmetric configuration allows one wall to be flat while the other remains curved, eliminating the wasted space that occurs when two circular tubes are placed side-by-side. The flat portion of the D-shaped flange creates usable interior space while the curved portion maintains the structural stability needed for inflation and support.
2Area of stationary object
If the flanges are made with a cylindrical shape, then the boat can be inflated and folded, but the useful and habitable surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flange structure into two distinct inflatable elements: a first element with a flat face and a second element with a curved face. These segmented elements work together to form the D-shaped cross-section, allowing each element to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the desired habitable surface area and maintaining the inflatable-foldable characteristic.
3Strength
If a rigid floor is added to the boat, then passenger support is improved, but the boat loses its fully foldable character
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the floor assembly removable rather than permanently fixed. The rigid floor can be installed when passenger support is needed and removed when the boat needs to be fully folded or transported. This dynamic configuration allows the floor to adapt between providing structural support during operation and allowing complete collapsibility during storage or transport.
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
This configuration maximizes interior space, maintains stability, and allows for quicker inflation and deflation while retaining the boat's lightweight and collapsible nature.
Implementation Method 1
the front and side walls are inflatable and foldable, each forming a ring of circular section filled with air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a boat comprising a flexible bottom (10) bordered radially towards the outside by a wall (20) which comprises an inflatable and flexible front wall (21), an inflatable and flexible lateral wall (22), and a rear wall (23). At least one part of at least one of the lateral wall (22) and of the front wall (21) is constituted by a first inflatable element (30) configured as a panel having two parallel planar faces (31, 32), a second inflatable element (40) of which the cross section is in the form of a D with a planar portion (41), and a flexible assembly device, the second element (40) being situated radially towards the outside of the boat with respect to the first element (30), the assembly device maintaining the planar portion (41) of the second element (40) in contact with one of the planar faces of the first element (30).