Multi-Layer Inflatable Ball Structure for Puncture Burst Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable balls are prone to bursting when punctured, posing a risk of injury to pets and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable ball design comprising multiple layers, including an inner PVC layer for puncture resistance, an intermediate EVA layer for strength, and an outer rubber layer for texture, which maintains shape without air pressure and absorbs impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable ball is made with a single layer for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because it is prone to bursting when punctured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by constructing the inflatable ball with three distinct layers: an inner layer made of puncture-resistant material, a middle layer made of flexible material for impact absorption, and an outer layer made of durable material. This multi-material composite structure resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced burst resistance through material diversity while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic layer integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the inflatable ball into three functional layers, each with specific properties. The inner layer handles puncture resistance, the middle layer handles flexibility and impact absorption, and the outer layer handles durability. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, achieving high reliability without excessive overall complexity.
2Reliability
If air pressure is used to maintain the inflated shape, then the ball can be lightweight, but reliability deteriorates because puncturing causes explosive bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a middle layer made of flexible material between the inner and outer layers. This layer is specifically designed to absorb impact and cushion the effects of puncture before the puncture can propagate explosively through the entire structure. The cushioning layer prevents the catastrophic failure mode while maintaining structural integrity during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure with three layers provides distributed strength throughout the ball wall. The inner puncture-resistant layer, middle flexible layer, and outer durable layer work together to provide structural integrity that does not depend solely on internal air pressure. This distributed strength system maintains reliability even when punctured.
3Reliability
If the inner layer is made rigid for puncture resistance, then reliability improves, but object-generated harmful factors worsen because it may cause injury to pets during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each layer different material properties suited to its specific function. The inner layer is made of puncture-resistant material localized for preventing punctures, while the middle layer is made of flexible material localized for impact absorption and pet safety. This spatial differentiation of material qualities allows the ball to be both puncture-resistant and safe for pet engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure combines rigid puncture-resistant material in the inner layer with flexible impact-absorbing material in the middle layer. This material combination resolves the contradiction by localizing the rigid properties where puncture resistance is needed while isolating the flexible properties where pet safety is needed, preventing the rigid material from directly contacting the pet.
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 multi-layered design provides burst resistance, durability, and safety for pets by preventing explosion and injury, allowing for semi-permanent use without frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the inner layer can be made of foamed polyvinyl chloride to have suitable flexibility. Therefore, the inflatable ball can absorb impact and not cause injury to a pet during engagement
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable ball can maintain its inflated shape not by the air pressure filled inside the bladder but due to the rigidity and elasticity of the PVC
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable pet toy adopted for use in an inflated state and ambient air state. The inflatable pet toy includes an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer forms a selectively inflatable bladder for receiving pressurized air. The inner layer is configured to resist bursting. The intermediate layer coupled to the inner layer. The outer layer substantially surrounds the intermediate layer.