Fluid Inflatable Member Using Incompressible Fluid for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-inflated members such as rafts, floatation vests, and air-filled tubes lack sufficient rigidity and are prone to kinking or bending, limiting their use as support members or swimming aids.
Innovation Solution
A fluid inflatable member using a semi-permeable or impermeable membrane enclosing a compressible foam material that permits the influx of an incompressible fluid, increasing rigidity by replacing air with fluid and distributing it throughout the interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is used as the inflation medium, then the device is easy to inflate and deflate, but the rigidity is insufficient and the device is prone to kinking or bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the inflation medium from compressible gas (air) to incompressible liquid (fluid), which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the inflated structure. This parameter change enables the structure to maintain rigidity under load while still allowing for inflation and deflation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from pneumatic inflation (air) to hydraulic inflation (incompressible fluid), utilizing the properties of incompressible fluids to provide structural rigidity. The hydraulic system allows the inflatable member to resist bending moments and torsional loads while maintaining the ability to be inflated and deflated through controlled fluid transfer
2Productivity
If air is used as the inflation medium, then the device can be easily inflated, but it lacks structural support capability and is easily deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the inflation medium from compressible gas (air) to incompressible liquid (fluid), which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the inflated structure. This parameter change enables the structure to maintain rigidity under load while still allowing for inflation and deflation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from pneumatic inflation (air) to hydraulic inflation (incompressible fluid), utilizing the properties of incompressible fluids to provide structural rigidity. The hydraulic system allows the inflatable member to resist bending moments and torsional loads while maintaining the ability to be inflated and deflated through controlled fluid transfer
3Strength
If the membrane is made impermeable to maintain fluid containment, then rigidity is maintained, but fluid cannot be exchanged with the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different permeability properties to different locations of the membrane structure. The membrane is designed with selective permeability zones that allow fluid exchange at specific locations (such as near the valve assembly) while maintaining impermeability in other areas to preserve structural rigidity and fluid containment
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 fluid inflatable member maintains rigidity under bending moments and torsional loads, providing structural support and stability, while minimizing kinking and bending.
Implementation Method 1
The porous material has a porosity configured to permit an influx of an incompressible fluid
Implementation Method 2
The porous material is configured such that, when compressed, it receives incompressible fluid from a fluid source and distributes the fluid throughout the interior space
Implementation Method 3
air within the porous material is forced across the membrane into the surrounding environment by the incursion of incompressible fluid into the pores
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid inflatable member that includes a pliable body having a membrane defining an expandable interior space and a porous material enclosed within the membrane of the pliable body. In response to the porous material being compressed, the porous material receives incompressible fluid from a fluid source and distributes the incompressible fluid throughout the interior space to increase a rigidity of the pliable body.