Inflatable Canopy Structure for Vehicle Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to store and deploy protective covers for vehicles efficiently, as they can be heavy, consume additional energy when stored on a vehicle, and cause wear and tear when manually extended and stored.
Innovation Solution
A canopy with a deployable structure that can be automatically deployed and retracted using an inflatable tubular structure integrated with a vehicle, which includes a fabric supported by tubes that can be inflated by an air compressor and deflated using a steel spring for storage, controlled by a data processing system for optimal energy use and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cover is stored on a vehicle, then the vehicle receives protection, but the vehicle consumes additional energy and the cover causes wear and tear when manually handled
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is extracted from the vehicle interior and mounted on the roof via a container, separating the protection function from the vehicle's power system. This eliminates the energy consumption associated with storing and deploying covers inside the vehicle while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover deployment system uses the vehicle's existing air compressor for inflation and steel springs for retraction, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional power. The spring mechanism automatically retracts the cover without manual intervention, reducing wear and tear.
2Reliability
If a protective cover is manually extended and stored, then the cover provides protection, but the cover experiences wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical extension and retraction system is replaced with an automated system using inflatable tubes and spring mechanisms. This eliminates the friction and stress associated with manual handling, significantly extending the cover's lifespan while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static, manually handled object to a dynamic, automatically deployed structure. The inflatable tubes allow the cover to expand and contract smoothly without the stress concentrations that occur during manual folding and unfolding, thereby extending its service life.
3Extent of automation
If an inflatable tubular structure is used for deployment, then automated deployment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing air compressor is utilized for inflating the deployment tubes, giving it a dual function (original function plus canopy deployment). This reduces the need for separate deployment mechanisms and minimizes overall system complexity while achieving automated deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable tubular structure serves as an intermediary between the air compressor and the cover fabric, translating pneumatic pressure into mechanical deployment motion. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by using a single, well-understood physical principle rather than complex mechanical linkages.
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 canopy reduces energy consumption by providing shade and protection without activating the vehicle's air conditioning, extends the lifespan of the cover, and improves vehicle efficiency by automating deployment and retraction based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor to inflate the tubular structure
Implementation Method 2
deflated using a steel spring for storage
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy with a deployable structure is provided. An apparatus can include a canopy that includes a structure. The structure can be deployed over at least one portion of an object. The apparatus can include a fabric that is coupled to the structure. The structure can deploy the fabric over the at least one portion of the object.