High Pressure Inflatable Beam Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable beams for temporary roofing structures are limited by their fixed arcuate shape, which restricts application possibilities due to static or aesthetic requirements, or the need to replicate specific shapes and improve underpassability.
Innovation Solution
The development of an arcuate high-pressure inflatable beam with fixed attachment points and a force exerting element that allows for the contraction of the beam's circumference, enabling the creation of non-arcuate shapes such as Gothic arches or sharper angles for improved underpassability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fire hoses or industrial hoses are used as inflatable beams with fixed arcuate shape, then the structure provides sufficient rigidity and stability for roofing, but the application possibilities are limited when non-arcuate shapes are required for static or aesthetic reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into multiple sections with individual attachment points, allowing each section to be independently shaped. The force exerting elements can be applied at different locations along the beam length, enabling segmentation of the shaping function across multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam transitions from a static fixed arcuate shape to a dynamic configurable shape. By applying force exerting elements at different positions and with different magnitudes, the beam can be deformed into various shapes (Gothic arches, sharper angles, etc.) while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed attachment points.
2Ease of operation
If the beam ends are firmly put in at a distance less than the total length of the beam, then the beam forms an arcuate shape, but this reduces underpassability due to unsuitable lead angle at the base
Solution Approach 1:
Attachment points are pre-established at specific locations along the beam before the beam is inflated and deployed. This preliminary positioning of attachment points allows the beam to be pre-configured with optimal lead angles for underpassability, rather than being constrained by the fixed arcuate shape formed solely by end attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the beam have different local geometries and attachment point configurations. The lead angle at the base can be locally optimized for underpassability by positioning attachment points and applying force exerting elements specifically in the base regions, while other sections maintain the arcuate shape for structural support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If force exerting elements are used to create non-arcuate shapes, then shape flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points serve multiple functions: they provide structural anchoring for the beam, enable application of force exerting elements for shaping, and allow for tension distribution across different beam sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced shape flexibility.
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
This solution allows for a wide range of beam shapes and applications, overcoming the limitations of fixed arcuate shapes by enabling the beam to be bent or kinked, thus enhancing static stability and aesthetic flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one a section of its length, the beam is provided with at least two adjoining fixed attachment points located in the longitudinal direction of the beam axis and formed on the surface of the beam, with the fixed attachment points being interconnected by at least one force exerting element whose straight length between the fixed attachment points is shorter than the straight length of the plain beam between these fixed attachment points
Data Source
AI summary
A high pressure inflatable beam (1) with a typical internal operating pressure in the range of 100 to 1,000 kPa, formed from conventional or modified fire hoses, or other industrial hoses or tubes produced by seamless braiding technology with an internal lining impervious to air and a possible outer protective coat, the ends of which are closed by a plug, wherein at least one plug contains at least one filling and/or discharging element for the filling medium, and the ends of the beam (1) are firmly put in at a distance of less than the total length of the beam (1), where at least one a section of its length, the beam (1) is provided with at least two adjoining fixed attachment points (2) located in the longitudinal direction of the beam (1) and formed on the surface of the beam (1) or sleeves (5) of the beam (1), wherein the fixed attachment points (2) are interconnected by at least one force exerting element (3), whose straight length between the fixed attachment points (2) is shorter than the straight length of the plain beam (1) between these fixed attachment points (2).