Inflatable Bladder with Restricted Lateral Expansion for Dense Packing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable bladders with circular configurations have limitations in densely packing them due to their shape, which results in less comfort and support in seats, and require additional foam to compensate for lack of support when deflated.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inflatable bladder with a non-flat, three-dimensional configuration when deflated, featuring a generally rectangular shape that allows for closer packing and restricted lateral expansion, maintaining a constant lateral dimension during inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular inflatable bladders are used, then they can be manufactured with simple geometry, but they cannot be densely packed in arrays due to their circular shape requiring large spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder transitions from a two-dimensional circular disk when deflated to a three-dimensional spherical shape when inflated. This dimensional change allows the bladder to occupy minimal space in the deflated state for dense packing, while providing full volumetric support when inflated.
2Device complexity
If conventional circular inflatable bladders are used, then they can be constructed with simple circular skins, but they provide virtually no cushioning support when deflated requiring additional foam
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder maintains a three-dimensional configuration in both deflated and inflated states, providing continuous cushioning support throughout the cycle. This eliminates the need for additional foam layers, reducing overall seat weight and complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional circular inflatable bladders are used, then they can be made with simple circular geometry, but they cause hot spots by obstructing body heat dissipation due to requiring additional foam
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional bladder configuration maintains air gaps and ventilation channels even in the deflated state, preventing direct contact between the occupant and the bladder surface. This improves heat dissipation and eliminates hot spots without requiring additional foam that would trap heat.
4Productivity
If conventional circular inflatable bladders are placed close together, then packing density increases, but they interfere with each other during inflation and deflation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder's transition to a spherical three-dimensional shape during inflation creates a compact, uniform volume that maintains consistent spacing from adjacent bladders. The dimensional transformation ensures predictable space requirements during the inflation cycle, preventing interference between neighboring bladders in densely packed arrays.
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 design enables the inflatable bladders to be packed more densely than conventional circular bladders, providing improved comfort and support while minimizing the need for additional foam, thus reducing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The wall is configured to facilitate an expansion of the longitudinal dimension during an ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a contraction of the longitudinal dimension during an egress of the fluid from the interior volume. The wall is further configured to maintain a constant lateral dimension during the ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a constant lateral dimension during the egress of the fluid from the interior volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable bladder includes, but is not limited to, a bladder body having a wall, a longitudinal dimension, and a lateral dimension. The wall defines an interior volume enclosing a fluid. The wall further defines an opening in fluid communication with the interior volume. The bladder body is fluid tight when the opening is closed. The wall is configured to facilitate an expansion of the longitudinal dimension during an ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a contraction of the longitudinal dimension during an egress of the fluid from the interior volume. The wall is further configured to maintain a constant lateral dimension during the ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a constant lateral dimension during the egress of the fluid from the interior volume.