Inflatable Bag Structure for Adjustable Firmness and 3D Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bags lack the ability to adjust their firmness according to different usage scenarios, with soft fabrics failing to maintain a three-dimensional shape and rigid fabrics increasing weight and storage difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A bag with adjustable firmness featuring an inflatable airbag system, including multiple airbags and inflation/deflation ports, allowing for controlled firmness adjustment through inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If soft fabric is used for the bag body, then the bag is lightweight and easy to store, but the bag lacks the hardness necessary to maintain a three-dimensional shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by incorporating an inflatable airbag into the bag body. The airbag can be inflated to provide structural support and maintain a three-dimensional shape, or deflated to reduce weight and improve storability. This pneumatic system allows the bag to dynamically adjust its firmness and shape retention capabilities without permanently increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by providing an inflatable/deflatable airbag system with inflation and deflation ports. The bag's firmness and shape characteristics can be changed on-demand based on usage requirements, transitioning from a static structure to a dynamic one that adapts to different operational states.
2Shape
If thick, rigid fabric is used for the bag body, then the bag maintains a three-dimensional shape and stands upright, but the bag's overall weight increases and becomes difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fabric with a pneumatic support system consisting of an inflatable airbag. When inflated, the airbag provides the necessary structural support to maintain shape and enable the bag to stand upright. When deflated, the system contributes minimal weight, solving the contradiction between shape maintenance and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support structure from solid (rigid fabric) to gaseous (inflated airbag). This parameter change allows the bag to achieve shape maintenance with significantly reduced weight, as the inflated airbag provides structural support through internal pressure rather than material rigidity.
3Shape
If rigid fabric is used for the bag body, then the bag maintains its shape, but the bag becomes difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bag's structure dynamic by incorporating an inflatable/deflatable airbag system. When storage is needed, the airbag can be deflated to reduce the bag's volume and make it easier to store. When in use, the airbag is inflated to restore the three-dimensional shape, providing ease of operation in both storage and usage states.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflated airbag can be compressed and nested within the bag body, allowing the bag to occupy minimal storage space when not in use. This nesting capability significantly improves storability while maintaining the ability to expand to full functional size when needed.
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 bag achieves a structured three-dimensional shape with increased firmness upon inflation and softens for easier storage upon deflation, adapting to various usage needs.
Implementation Method 1
Inflating the airbag causes the airbag to expand, thereby increasing the firmness of the bag, achieving a structured and three-dimensional shape for the bag body
Implementation Method 2
Deflating the airbag allows the airbag to contract, reducing the firmness of the bag, making the bag body softer and easier to store
Data Source
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AI summary
A bag with adjustable firmness and a using method thereof, which relate to the technical field of travel goods. The bag includes a bag body and an inflatable airbag. An airbag accommodating space is arranged around an inner side of the bag body. The inflatable airbags are arranged in the airbag accommodating space and around the inner side of the bag body in a circle with space between each other. Inflation of the airbag increases the firmness of bag panel to achieve structured and three-dimensional shape for the bag body. Deflation of the bag decreases the firmness of bag panel to allow bag body to be softer and easier to store. The expansion or contraction of airbag can adjust the firmness of bag body according to actual usage scenarios, solving the problem in conventional bags where flexibility and rigidity of fabric cannot be adjusted to suit different usage needs.