Inflatable LED Balloon Structure for 360-Degree Image Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable displays with LED lights are not suitable for large-scale constructions, require complex control and energy supply, and cannot display complex or changing messages, leading to visibility issues and potential unrest among viewers.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable structure with LED lights attached to its outer surface, equipped with a supporting structure, pump, and control system inside the balloon, allowing for 360-degree image visibility and easy transportation and setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional screens are used to display images in large areas, then visibility is improved, but the weight and complexity of the system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidweight per screen surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inflatable balloon structure with LED lights attached to its surface, replacing traditional rigid screen structures. This flexible membrane approach allows the display to be lightweight yet visible from multiple directions, directly resolving the contradiction between visibility and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a traditional 2D flat screen to a 3D inflatable structure that can be viewed from all directions (360-degree visibility). This dimensional change allows a single lightweight structure to replace multiple heavy screens, improving visibility while reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple screens are deployed to improve visibility in large areas, then visibility is improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidcontrol and energy supply complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screen functions into a single inflatable structure with integrated LED lights. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate screens and their associated control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining visibility across large areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, a display surface, and a lightweight framework. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity compared to traditional setups requiring separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If LED lights are attached to the surface of an inflatable balloon, then the structure becomes lightweight and hangable, but the LED lights become vulnerable to damage during setup and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidLED lights vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a supporting structure that provides mechanical protection to the LED lights during setup, storage, and transportation. This pre-established support system cushions and protects the fragile LED components before any damage can occur, allowing the lightweight design to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable balloon structure itself acts as a protective flexible shell for the LED lights. When inflated, this thin film structure provides a protective envelope that shields the LED lights from physical damage while maintaining the lightweight property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If the inflatable structure is deflated for storage, then transportation ease is improved, but the LED lights may be damaged during the deflation and storage process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation easeVSAvoidLED lights protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure provides continuous protection to the LED lights throughout the deflation and storage process. This pre-established protective framework ensures that LED lights are cushioned and positioned safely even when the inflatable structure is deflated for compact storage and transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Provides lightweight, energy-efficient, and versatile image display capable of displaying complex messages from multiple angles, reducing the need for multiple screens and enhancing visibility in large areas.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable structure for displaying images comprising: a plurality of LED lights; an inflatable balloon with at least one opening, the balloon comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the LED lights being attached to the outer surface of the balloon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The pump is suitable for generating an air flow through the support structure to the inside of the balloon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4349437B1Inflatable LED balloon
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 PRG PROJECTS NV
  • EP4349437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4349437B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4349437B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention relates to an inflatable structure for displaying images comprising: a plurality of LED lights; an inflatable balloon having at least one opening, the balloon comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the LED lights being attached to the outer surface of the balloon; and a support structure provided in the opening of the balloon, wherein the support structure substantially closes the opening of the balloon, wherein the support structure is provided with a pump and a control system, wherein the pump and the control system are provided on the inside of the balloon, wherein the pump is suitable for generating an air flow through the support structure to the inside of the balloon. The invention also relates to a method for storing and setting up an inflatable structure and to the use of an inflatable structure.