Method of producing an inflatable product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing inflatable products face challenges in effectively attaching tensioning structures to inflatable sheets without causing weldable contact between the sheets, leading to potential adhesion issues and structural integrity problems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a high-power, high-frequency welder with upper and lower dies to attach tensioning structures made of weldable plastic to inflatable sheets, with an isolating member positioned between the tensioning structure portions to prevent welding between them, ensuring that the first and second portions of the tensioning structures are welded to the respective sheets while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If tensioning structures are attached to inflatable sheets using welding, then structural integrity is improved, but adhesion between sheets may occur causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadhesion between sheets

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A release liner is positioned between the first and second portions of the tensioning structure during the welding process. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact and adhesion between the weldable portions while allowing each portion to be welded to its respective inflatable sheet, thereby maintaining structural integrity without causing sheet adhesion defects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is performed to attach tensioning structures, then attachment strength is improved, but complexity of the welding process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidwelding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release liner is pre-positioned between the first and second portions of the tensioning structure before the welding process begins. This preliminary action simplifies the overall welding process by pre-establishing the isolation mechanism, eliminating the need for complex real-time control during welding and reducing process complexity while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for efficient and effective attachment of tensioning structures to inflatable sheets, preventing adhesion between the sheets and ensuring the structural integrity of the inflatable product, while allowing for simultaneous welding of the tensioning structures to both sheets without interference.

Implementation Method 1

welding the first portion of the plurality of tensioning structures to the first inflatable sheet and welding the second portion of the plurality of tensioning structures to the second inflatable sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3073869B1Method of producing an inflatable product

Publication Date: 2020.07.15 INTEX RECREATION CORP

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AI summary

A welding process of an inflatable product is provided that includes using isolating members between first and second portions of weldable tensioning members to resist the first and second portions of the weldable tensioning structures being welded together during welding of the first portions to a first sheet of weldable material and welding of the second portions to a second sheet of weldable material.