Inflatable Tessellation Origami for Adaptive Vehicle Support Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Morphing structures in vehicles are complex and require simplification to effectively manage forces such as acceleration, stopping, and lateral forces during operation.
Innovation Solution
A tessellation origami structure with inflatable cells attached to polygons, controlled by a compressed gas supply and a controller, allowing in-situ shape changes to provide load-bearing and support surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional morphing structures are used to manage vehicle forces, then the vehicle can provide support and load-bearing surfaces, but the structure becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into discrete polygons that form a tessellation pattern. Each polygon can be independently manipulated through inflatable cells attached to its facets, allowing localized morphing without requiring complex global structural changes. This segmentation enables the vehicle to achieve multiple shape configurations using simple, modular units rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the structure by controlling the inflation and deflation of cells attached to polygon facets. By adjusting the volume and pressure of these cells, the polygons can transition between different configurations, enabling the vehicle to morph into various shapes. This parameter-based control (inflation/deflation) replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler pneumatic or hydraulic approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle structure remains static, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different vehicle dynamics and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the use of inflatable cells that can be selectively inflated and deflated. This allows the vehicle to adapt its shape in real-time to changing operational conditions such as acceleration, deceleration, and lateral forces. The dynamic capability is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism of pressurizing and depressurizing cell structures rather than complex mechanical joints or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The same tessellation origami structure with inflatable cells serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables load-bearing surfaces, and facilitates morphing to counteract various forces (acceleration, deceleration, lateral forces). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while enhancing adaptability to different vehicle dynamics.
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 structure efficiently adapts to vehicle dynamics, reducing the impact of lateral and acceleration forces on occupants by morphing into functional surfaces like barriers and supports.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inflatable cells attached to the plurality of polygons, the plurality of inflatable cells being selectively inflatable such that the morphing structure is an in-situ shape changing morphing structure
Data Source
AI summary
A morphing structure includes a tessellation origami structure with a plurality of polygons having a plurality of outer polygon facets, and a plurality of inflatable cells attached to the plurality of outer polygon facets. The plurality of inflatable cells are selectively inflatable such that the morphing structure is an in-situ shape changing morphing structure. In some variations, a compressed gas supply is in communication with the plurality of inflatable cells and a controller in communication with the compressed gas supply.