Inflatable Play Ball Non-Porous Casing Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balloon balls tend to deflate over time and sag, making them unsuitable for long-term display and play, as they require replacement rather than re-inflation, posing challenges for retailers and users.
Innovation Solution
Designing balloon balls with an outer casing that is non-porous and features a vent for air evacuation during inflation, allowing for easy re-inflation or replacement of the internal elastomeric balloon, which includes a closure mechanism to maintain the ball's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional balloon ball design is used, then the ball can be inflated by mouth without a pump, but the balloon deflates over time and sags after a day or two
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into two separate components: a reusable non-porous outer casing and a replaceable elastomeric balloon. This segmentation allows the balloon to be easily removed and replaced when deflated, while the outer casing remains intact and can be reused indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing is made non-porous to prevent gas leakage, fundamentally changing the permeability parameter compared to traditional balloon balls. This parameter change prevents the casing itself from causing deflation, allowing the balloon to be replaced rather than the entire ball.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the balloon is made elastomeric for flexibility, then the ball can be inflated by mouth, but the balloon cannot be easily replaced after deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the flexible elastomeric balloon from the rigid non-porous casing, allowing the balloon to be easily removed through the opening and replaced when deflated, while maintaining the flexibility needed for mouth inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the casing. The opening in the casing allows the balloon to be easily removed and replaced, transforming a permanent deflation problem into a simple component replacement task.
3Reliability
If the outer casing is made non-porous to prevent deflation, then the ball structure is improved, but the balloon cannot be accessed for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The non-porous casing is segmented with an opening that allows the elastomeric balloon to be inserted and removed. This segmentation maintains the non-porous structure for structural integrity while providing access points for balloon replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening serves as an extraction point that allows the balloon to be removed from the non-porous casing. The closure mechanism can seal this opening during storage to maintain structural integrity while allowing access during replacement.
4Shape
If a closure mechanism is added to seal the opening, then the ball maintains its shape better, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed to be simple and easily replaceable, matching the disposable nature of the balloon. Basic mechanisms like snap caps, screw caps, or even elastic bands can provide sufficient sealing without requiring complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is applied locally at the opening rather than throughout the entire casing. This localized approach provides the necessary sealing function at the critical point where the balloon interfaces with the casing, minimizing overall complexity.
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 easy re-inflation and replacement of the balloon, extending the product's usability and display life, addressing the issue of deflation and sagging, while maintaining the high pressure and bounce characteristics of traditional balloon balls.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing
Implementation Method 2
an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous which assumes a desired play ball configuration when expanded
Implementation Method 3
a vent to permit evacuation of air or gas from the outer casing while the balloon is being inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A play ball comprising an outer casing having a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented.