Inflatable Mast with Tripod Bracing for Stable Equipment Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary support structures for signs and electrical equipment are often complex to erect and demount, bulky for transport, and insufficiently stable, particularly for use by a single person.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting, pneumatically inflatable mast system comprising a flexible elongate tube coupled to a tripod with extendable legs and bracing structures, allowing easy transport and rapid deployment, featuring flexible members or webs that tense when inflated to provide stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanically connectable structures are used for temporary support, then stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatically inflatable tube as the core support element. When inflated, the tube provides structural rigidity and stability to support equipment above ground. When deflated, it collapses to a compact size for easy transport. This pneumatic mechanism replaces complex mechanical connection structures, allowing a single person to erect and demount the support without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable tube is made from flexible material layers (such as PVC or rubber) that can be collapsed and packed away. These flexible shells provide the necessary structural integrity when inflated while allowing compact storage when deflated, resolving the contradiction between stability during use and ease of transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanically connectable structures are used for temporary support, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic inflation system allows rapid deployment of the support structure without mechanical assembly. A single person can inflate the tube using a manual or electric pump, and the structure becomes stable immediately. Demounting is equally simple - deflating the tube causes it to collapse automatically. This eliminates the need for tools and complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions dynamically between two states: inflated and stable for supporting equipment, and deflated and compact for transport. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to provide both stability during use and ease of operation during deployment and storage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bracing structures are used, then stability is improved, but volume of moving object deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable tube provides rigid-like stability when inflated but collapses to a fraction of its operational volume when deflated. This allows the structure to maintain stability during use while occupying minimal space during transport, resolving the contradiction between stability and transport volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing structure transitions from a compact, flexible state during transport to an extended, rigid state during operation. The flexible members extend from the collapsed tube and tripod to provide bracing when needed, then retract into the compact form for transport.
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
Enables a single person to easily transport and erect equipment like floodlights above ground, ensuring stability and ease of use without requiring tools or complex assembly, with the ability to withstand moderate winds.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatically inflatable elongate tube having a first end to which the equipment is coupled and a second end coupled to a ground support tripod
Implementation Method 2
When the tube is inflated for use, the cords are each placed under tension, thereby bracing the structure as a whole
Implementation Method 3
the tripod legs are extendable, preferably being telescopic, and are interconnected by bracing struts that may be pushed beyond dead centre to resist unintentional collapse
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment is temporarily supported above the ground by a self-supporting, readily erectable and transportable mast. The mast comprises a pneumatically inflatable elongate tube having a first end to which the equipment is coupled and a second end coupled to a ground support tripod. The mast is provided with bracing structure adapted to brace the tube when inflated and including respective flexible members extending from each tripod leg to the first end of the tube.