Fluid Fillable Structure Folded End Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-filled barriers face challenges in initial fluid filling, as the first bladder requires an elevated structure for filling, which is impractical and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A fluid fillable structure with a reservoir body featuring a top surface, fluid fill ports, and connectors that allow the first end to be folded back and secured, maintaining open fill ports for easy fluid injection, and optionally tapered for preventing fluid escape, with flexible collars connecting adjacent bladders for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the first bladder is filled using an elevated structure, then the barrier can be erected, but the process becomes impractical and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidfilling practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first end of the reservoir body is pre-folded back onto the reservoir body and secured with connectors before filling, creating a self-contained filling structure that eliminates the need for elevated support during the filling operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Connectors are introduced as intermediary elements to secure the folded first end to the reservoir body, maintaining the fill ports in an open, accessible position without requiring external elevated structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the first end is folded back and secured, then fill ports remain open for easy filling, but the connector structure adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling accessibilityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is divided into separate first and second connectors that attach to different portions of the reservoir body, allowing independent positioning and securing of the folded end without requiring a complex integrated mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir body is made of flexible material that can be folded back onto itself, eliminating the need for rigid support structures and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining fill port accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8840338B2Fluid fillable structure

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 LAYFIELD GROUP

AI summary

A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releasably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.