Self-assembling Inflatable Modules for Vehicle Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures for lifting vehicles and handling irregularly shaped objects are often bulky and inadequate, and there is a need for non-lethal methods to manage crowds and seal off areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system of self-assembling inflatable modules, comprising inflation balls and a connection mechanism that can be modularly inflated to create a combined volume, allowing for various applications such as crowd control, lifting vehicles, and sealing off areas, using different inflation mechanisms and connection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional structures (hydraulic jacks, crowd control barriers) are used, then lifting or crowd control functions are achieved, but the structures become bulky and harmful to crowds
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lifting function into multiple independent inflatable modules (balls) that can be dispersed and deployed independently. Each module provides localized lifting force through inflation, eliminating the need for a single bulky traditional jack structure and reducing potential harm to crowds through distributed, non-lethal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the lifting structures from rigid (traditional jacks) to flexible inflatable forms. By controlling inflation pressure and volume, the system provides adjustable lifting force while maintaining a compliant structure that is less harmful to crowds compared to rigid mechanical structures.
2Force
If traditional structures are used for lifting, then lifting function is provided, but the structures are bulky and inadequate for irregular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into multiple small inflatable modules that can be distributed under irregularly shaped objects. Each module independently provides lifting force at its contact point, and the collection of modules collectively supports the entire object, eliminating the need for a single complex bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable module design is universal and can adapt to various object shapes and sizes. The same basic module type can be used for different applications (vehicle lifting, crowd control, area sealing) by varying the number and arrangement of modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular inflation is implemented, then adaptability to irregular shapes is improved, but connection mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism utilizes flexible elements (such as flexible membranes or thin-walled structures) that can naturally conform to irregular shapes when inflated. This flexibility allows the modules to connect and adapt to various geometries without requiring complex rigid connection hardware, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
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 system provides a flexible and non-lethal means to manage crowds, lift vehicles and objects with irregular surfaces, and seal off areas, offering technical advantages like on-demand inflation and versatile deployment options.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inflation balls configured to be launched and modularly inflate with respect to one another to create a combined modular volume
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of inflatable modules may be positioned at a first, lower, position and inflate to a first inflated volume. The system may then move to a second, higher, position
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of inflation balls configured to be launched and a connection mechanism. The plurality of inflation balls are configured to modularly inflate with respect to one another to create a combined modular volume. The connection mechanism is configured to allow the modular inflation of the plurality of inflation balls with respect to one another.