Inflatable Lighting Tube Stabilization with Rod and Outriggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable light sources for wide-range temporary lighting, such as those used in outdoor events or at sea, face instability due to high winds and require extensive surface area for stabilization, and have difficulties with power source accessibility and noise from blower operation.

Innovation Solution

A portable light system with an inflatable cylindrical tube, stabilized by a securing rod and outrigger arms, featuring a slidable mounting unit for the power source and noise-dampening blower housing, allowing for easy deployment and deflation, and adjustable length through zippers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If guide wires are used to stabilize the light source, then stability in windy conditions is improved, but the surface area required for deployment increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsurface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the stabilization function from the ground-secured guide wires and transfers it to a self-contained stabilizing rod that is integrated into the inflatable structure itself. The rod is secured to the top surface of the base structure and attaches to the inflatable tube, providing stability without requiring external ground anchors or large deployment surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing rod is nested within or integrated into the inflatable cylindrical tube structure. The rod runs through or alongside the tube and is secured at the top, allowing the stabilization mechanism to be contained within the overall device footprint rather than extending outward to the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Illumination intensity

If the cylindrical tube is made longer to provide adequate lighting coverage, then illumination range is improved, but stability in high winds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining the inflatable cylindrical tube with an internal or integrated stabilizing rod. This composite construction provides both the extended length needed for lighting coverage and the structural rigidity for wind stability. The rod acts as a internal skeleton that maintains the tube's shape and resists wind forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The use of a cylindrical (curved) tube shape provides inherent structural strength and wind resistance compared to straight rigid structures. The curved inflatable form distributes wind loads more effectively while maintaining the necessary length for lighting coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the power source is fixed in place for structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but ease of access for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a slidable mounting unit for the power source that allows the component to move between a secured position (maintaining structural integrity) and an accessible position (allowing easy removal and maintenance). The sliding mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the power source location based on operational or maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If the inflatable tube is made taller to provide adequate lighting height, then lighting effectiveness is improved, but susceptibility to wind damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting effectivenessVSAvoidwind damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inflatable cylindrical tube made of flexible material that can withstand wind loads through its pressurized structure. The flexible nature of the inflatable tube allows it to bend and flex in high winds rather than breaking, while still maintaining the necessary height for effective lighting coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of the flexible inflatable tube with the rigid stabilizing rod creates a composite structure that achieves both height for lighting effectiveness and resistance to wind damage. The rod provides the structural backbone while the tube provides the flexible lighting enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8939593B2Temporary and/or emergency lighting system with inflatable bearing structure

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 KOTHARI MANISH

AI summary

In order to provide a temporary lighting solution in extreme weather or lighting conditions, this application has been conceived. A set of blowers will continuously operate to inflate a long cylindrical tube in which a light has been placed to illuminate a designated area. Because the unit may be used outdoors a stabilizing rod has been placed in the event of a sudden loss of power to prevent the tube from deflating rapidly and descending rapidly to the ground level and causing possible injury to persons on the ground or the light itself. Because this device may be used in extremely windy conditions, a plurality of outriggers will attach to the frame and extend outward to stabilize the device, when needed. Because the blowers will operate continuously and thereby produce noise a plurality of noise abatement containers are placed around the blowers to help lessen the noise level.