Inflatable Vehicle Hail Cover With Segmented Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle protection devices are inadequate in providing quick and effective coverage against hail damage, as they often require complex setup or are not designed for rapid deployment.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable chamber with coupled side and end flaps, along with an inflation mechanism and straps, allows for rapid deployment over a vehicle, providing comprehensive coverage against hail damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing vehicle protection devices are used, then coverage against hail damage is provided, but deployment time is excessive and setup complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into multiple independent air chambers (first air chamber, second air chamber, third air chamber) that can be inflated separately. Each chamber corresponds to a specific vehicle zone (roof, sides, ends), allowing selective and rapid deployment of only the necessary sections rather than inflating a single large complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover transitions from a compact deflated state to an expanded inflated state through the inflation mechanism. The resiliently compressible material allows the structure to dynamically change shape and volume, enabling quick deployment without complex mechanical assembly steps.
2Productivity
If rapid deployment is achieved, then deployment time is reduced, but coverage completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple air chambers with flaps that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each section to be rapidly deployed while maintaining the ability to achieve complete coverage through the coordinated inflation of multiple sections and engagement of flaps with vehicle features.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation mechanism changes the physical state of the resiliently compressible material from compressed to expanded, rapidly increasing the volume and coverage area of the protective cover. This parameter change enables quick deployment while achieving comprehensive vehicle coverage.
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 solution enables quick and effective protection of vehicles from hail by inflating a chamber with resilient materials that securely cover the vehicle's top surface, sides, and ends, effectively shielding it from damage.
Implementation Method 1
An inflation mechanism is coupled to the chamber and is in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber wherein the inflation mechanism selectively inflates the chamber upon actuation of the inflation mechanism
Implementation Method 2
Each of the side flaps 22 is constructed of a resiliently compressible material, such as rubber or the like. A pair of end flaps 24 is provided. Each end flap 24 is constructed of a resiliently compressible material, such as rubber or the like.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable vehicle protection device provides a quickly deployed cover for a vehicle to protect against hail damage. The device includes an inflatable chamber. Each of a pair of side flaps is coupled to an associated longitudinal edge of the chamber. Each of a pair of end flaps is coupled to an associated end edge of the chamber. The chamber, the side flaps, and the end flaps define the cover. Each of a plurality of fasteners is coupled to a respective strap extending from one of the end flaps. Each strap is couplable to an associated one of the side flaps such that the chamber extends over a top surface of the vehicle. An inflation mechanism is coupled to the chamber and is in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber wherein the inflation mechanism selectively inflates the chamber upon actuation of the inflation mechanism.