Inflatable Device Structural Rings Rapid Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable devices, such as pool floats, are time-consuming to inflate and lack the benefits of being lightweight and compact.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a sealed flexible body wall with structural rings that allow the inflatable to transition from a collapsed to an expanded state quickly, using a mouth that can be secured in a closed position with a strap, enabling efficient inflation and maintaining air impermeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional inflatable devices are used, then they can be lightweight and compact, but they are time-consuming to inflate
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable device is divided into multiple chambers separated by internal partitions. Each chamber can be inflated independently through separate openings, allowing parallel inflation processes that significantly reduce total inflation time while maintaining the lightweight and compact properties of the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-positioned structural rings and internal supports that are already in place before inflation. These preliminary structural elements guide the inflation process and maintain device shape during rapid filling, enabling quick deployment without compromising structural integrity.
2Weight of moving object
If the inflatable is designed to be compact and lightweight, then portability is improved, but structural stability during inflation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates strategically placed structural rings at specific locations along the inflatable body. These localized reinforcement elements provide necessary structural stability during inflation and use, while the rest of the device remains lightweight and compact. The rings are positioned to maximize structural support with minimal added weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable device uses composite construction combining lightweight flexible materials for the main body with more rigid structural rings and internal supports. This composite approach allows the device to maintain compact and lightweight properties while achieving the structural stability needed for rapid inflation and safe deployment.
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 rapid inflation and a compact, lightweight inflatable device that maintains its shape and air retention, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
moving air through the mouth and into the interior volume to move the inflatable into the expanded state
Implementation Method 2
a sealed flexible body wall extending from the closed distal end to the proximal end... the interior volume is sealed when the mouth is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable device is provided, and contains a body and a mouth. The mouth is positionable in an open position and a sealed position. The body includes a flexible body wall that defines an interior volume. The body defines at least one air flow path from the mouth through the interior volume. The air flow path has an air flow path axis and has a cross-sectional area. The body further includes at least one structural member that applies a force on the flexible body wall transversely outward from the axis so as to urge the flexible body wall towards a transversely expanded state. The body is movable between an axially collapsed state and an axially open state along at least a portion of the air flow path and is urged towards the axially expanded state by a force applied by at least one of: the at least one structural member, and air flow into the body through the mouth when the mouth is held in the open position.