Drop Stitch Inflatable Structure With Integrated Attachment Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex inflatable drop stitch products with multiple structures attached to each other and rigid structures can be cumbersome, require additional parts for coupling, and are costly to produce, while maintaining stability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable structure with a drop stitch fabric tethered by drop stitches, featuring edge and inner fixation lines with coupling means, and a non-inflatable connectable element between these lines, allowing for efficient attachment to external elements and maintaining stability under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple drop stitch structures and rigid structures are attached together, then stability and rigidity are improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drop stitch structures into a single integrated structure with multiple chambers instead of attaching separate structures together. The first and second drop stitch structures are merged into one continuous structure sharing common edges and fixation lines, eliminating the need for additional coupling parts while maintaining stability and rigidity through the integrated multi-chamber design.
2Strength
If multiple drop stitch structures and rigid structures are attached together, then stability and rigidity are improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple structures into one integrated drop stitch structure with multiple chambers, eliminating the need for separate rigid structures and coupling components. This integration reduces the number of parts to manufacture and assemble, directly lowering production costs while achieving the required stability and rigidity through the multi-chamber configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated drop stitch structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stability, creates multiple inflatable chambers for enhanced rigidity, and incorporates all necessary fixation lines and edges in one continuous assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall production complexity and cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple structures are attached together, then stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple structures into one integrated assembly where the first and second drop stitch structures form a unified structure with shared edges and fixation lines. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to attach multiple independent structures, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining stability through the integrated multi-chamber design.
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 solution enables a strong, stiff, and tight connection with external elements, simplifying assembly and disassembly, reducing production costs, and maintaining structural integrity under heavy pressure and impact.
Implementation Method 1
a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches... The vertical fibers and/or strands—which may be referred to as the drop stitches—hold the air chamber firmly in shape
Implementation Method 2
subsequently pressurized with air, it may be transformed into a strong, firm structure... allowing the inflated structure to maintain its shape and stability under heavy outside pressure and impact
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with, along at least a portion of an edge of the drop stitch fabric, an edge fixation line and an at least first inner fixation line at an at least first margin from the edge, the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line comprising coupling means fixating the first layer to the second layer. The inflatable structure is further provided with, between the edge fixation line and the at least first inner fixation line, a non-inflatable connectable element e.g. adapted to be connectable with a detachably attachable counterpart element.