Drop Stitch Inflatable Structure with Integrated Ridge Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable drop stitch products are weak in buckling due to the need for flexibility during storage and transport, leading to potential instability under heavy loads, and existing reinforcement methods increase complexity and production costs.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable structure with a drop stitch fabric featuring a first and second layer tethered by drop stitches, where at least one layer includes a ridge formed by a folded portion secured by a fixation line, providing reinforcement and allowing the structure to maintain shape and stability without additional stiffening elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional reinforcement elements (batons, flexible elements) are added to stiffen the inflatable structure, then buckling resistance is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is merged with the existing layer structure by forming ridges directly from the layer material itself, rather than adding separate reinforcement elements. The ridge is created by folding and securing a portion of the layer, integrating the stiffening function into the layer's own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer serves its own reinforcement function by forming ridges from its own material, eliminating the need for external reinforcement elements. The ridge structure is self-contained within the layer, using the layer's own fabric to provide the necessary stiffening.
2Reliability
If additional reinforcement elements are added to prevent buckling, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is merged with the existing layer structure by forming ridges directly from the layer material itself, rather than adding separate reinforcement elements. The ridge is created by folding and securing a portion of the layer, integrating the stiffening function into the layer's own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer serves its own reinforcement function by forming ridges from its own material, eliminating the need for external reinforcement elements. The ridge structure is self-contained within the layer, using the layer's own fabric to provide the necessary stiffening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the layer is made sufficiently flexible for storage and transport, then ease of storage is improved, but buckling resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure dynamically transitions between flexible and stiff states. When deflated, the layer remains flexible for storage and transport. When inflated, the ridges engage to provide buckling resistance, creating a dynamic adaptation to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer is segmented into different functional zones: flat areas that remain flexible for storage, and ridge areas that provide stiffening when inflated. The ridge portions are separated from the rest of the layer through folding and securing, creating distinct functional segments within the same layer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state, the inflatable structure comprising a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. At least one layer of the first and second layers comprises a ridge formed by a folded portion of the one layer, secured by a fixation line. The disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method of an inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing, and an inflatable seat comprising such an inflatable structure.