Inflatable Vehicle Container Frame with Tensioned Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible containers for vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, occupy valuable space when not in use and require complex structures for stability, necessitating a simpler and more economic solution that maintains rigidity and stability in the extended condition.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle container with an inflatable frame comprising a base panel and sides that can be deflated to minimize space, featuring a multi-layer construction with stretched thread segments for rigidity and a sealing valve for inflation, allowing the panel to be flat and parallel when inflated, ensuring stability without additional stiffening elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If collapsible containers are used to reduce space occupation, then space utilization is improved, but structural rigidity and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupationVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs an inflatable membrane structure that forms a rigid enclosure when pressurized. The thin film material, when inflated, creates a stable container shape without requiring additional stiffening elements, thus resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The container uses pneumatic pressure to maintain its structural form. When inflated, the internal pressure provides the necessary rigidity and stability, while the same container can be deflated to minimize space occupation, directly addressing the contradiction between volume reduction and stability maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple movable parts are added to ensure stiffness, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer stiffnessVSAvoidnumber of movable parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a continuous inflatable membrane instead of multiple discrete movable parts. The membrane, when inflated, provides the necessary stiffness and stability through its pressurized state, eliminating the need for complex assemblies of connected components while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical stiffening mechanisms (multiple movable parts and connections) with a pneumatic system. The internal pressure of the inflated membrane substitutes for mechanical fasteners and joints, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the desired stiffness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If additional stiffening elements are added, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable membrane itself serves as both the container wall and the structural element providing rigidity. When inflated, the membrane's tension and internal pressure create a rigid structure without requiring separate stiffening components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the stored objects, defines the container shape, and provides structural rigidity through inflation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional stiffening elements, reducing both component count and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 inflatable container maintains structural integrity and stability while minimizing space occupation when deflated, allowing for flexible use of vehicle space and easy integration with the vehicle's structure, enabling efficient storage and utilization of space.

Implementation Method 1

a base panel (12) which is inflatable between a deflated state, in which it occupies a space having a minimum volume, and an inflated state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

featuring a multi-layer construction with stretched thread segments for rigidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTensile strength: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3702218B1A container for a vehicle and a heavy vehicle cab provided with the same container

Publication Date: 2021.09.22 IVECO SPA

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AI summary

A container (10; 10') for a vehicle (1) includes a frame (11), which delimits a compartment (15) for housing objects and includes releasable coupling means (50; 50'), which are carried by the frame (11) for coupling the latter to a structure (4) of the vehicle (1), wherein the frame (11) includes an inflatable panel (12, 36, 13; 60'), which has two outer walls (25, 26) and constraining means (33) carried inside the panel by said the walls (25, 26) for limiting the relative movement between the outer walls (25, 26) when the panel (12) is inflated, so as to determine a flat shape of the outer walls (25, 26).