Elastic-Tether Inflatable Structure for Partial-Pressure Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflatable structures lack the ability to support compressive loads until fully inflated, as they require significant pressure to overcome tether resistance, limiting their utility in providing multiple support profiles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of elastic and inelastic tethers with varying stiffness and ultimate lengths, allowing for multiple support profiles by restricting bladder expansion and distributing compressive loads effectively across different pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional inelastic tethers are used in inflatable structures, then the bladder expansion is restricted and compressive load support is improved when fully inflated, but the structure cannot support loads until fully inflated and requires high pressure to overcome tether resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional inelastic tethers to elastic tethers with varying stiffness characteristics. This allows the tether system to adapt its mechanical properties during inflation: initially compliant to allow expansion at low pressure, then progressively stiffer to provide load support as the bladder inflates, eliminating the need for high pressure thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using elastic tethers that change their effective stiffness dynamically during the inflation process. The elastic tethers transition from a compliant state during initial expansion to a rigid state during load-bearing operation, enabling the structure to support compressive loads at any inflation stage rather than requiring full inflation
2Ease of operation
If the bladder is designed to expand freely without resistance, then ease of inflation is improved, but the bladder cannot support significant load until fully expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different tether segments with varying elastic properties along the tether length and across different tethers. This allows specific regions of the tether system to provide resistance at different inflation stages, enabling gradual load support development during expansion rather than requiring complete inflation first
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support profiles are required at different pressure levels, then versatility is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tether system into multiple independent elastic tethers with different stiffness characteristics. Each tether can be optimized for specific pressure ranges, allowing the structure to achieve multiple support profiles through simple tether selection rather than complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastic tether elements with different material properties and stiffness values. This creates a tether system that naturally provides multiple support profiles through material diversity rather than structural complexity, enabling versatile load support at various inflation stages
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
Enables the inflatable structure to support compressive loads across various pressure levels, including when partially inflated, and allows for tailored orientations of the top end cap for specific applications, enhancing its utility in supporting objects within vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of tethers is elastic
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable structure includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a bladder attached to the top and bottom end caps and configured to hold pressurized air therebetween, and a plurality of tethers disposed within the bladder, each tether in the plurality of tethers having a first end coupled to the top end cap and a second end coupled to the bottom end cap, wherein when the bladder is inflated, the bladder expands axially forcing the top end cap and the bottom end cap away from one another, the plurality of tethers adapted to restrict movement of the top end cap and the bottom end cap away from one another and limit axial expansion of the bladder, wherein, at least one of the plurality of tethers is elastic, and the inflatable structure is adapted to provide multiple support profiles that are capable of supporting compressive loading.