Inflatable product with internal tensioning structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable products with internal tension-band structures, such as PVC sheets or belts, increase the weight and packed volume of deflated structures due to their thickness and material density, which is not ideal for lightweight and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of thin, flexible string- or wire-like strands joined by intermediate materials like strips or sheets, which are welded to the fabric to provide tensile strength and maintain shape upon inflation, while occupying minimal volume when deflated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick PVC sheets or belts are used for tension bands, then force requirements are met and structural integrity is maintained, but weight and packed volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous PVC sheet into discrete strands that are spaced apart from each other. Each strand provides localized tensile strength, while the spaces between strands reduce overall material usage. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain necessary strength while significantly reducing weight and packed volume compared to solid sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thick rigid PVC sheets with thin, flexible strands that can be welded to the fabric. These thin strands provide the necessary tensile strength through their flexibility and ability to distribute forces, while their reduced thickness directly contributes to lower weight and more compact packaging when deflated.
2Strength
If thick PVC sheets or belts are used for tension bands, then force requirements are met and structural integrity is maintained, but packed volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tension band structure into discrete spaced strands rather than continuous sheets, the patent creates gaps that collapse and compress more efficiently during packaging. The segmented structure allows air to escape more effectively and materials to compact into a smaller volume while maintaining the necessary strength through the distributed strand configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film strands used in the invention compress more readily than thick sheets, allowing the deflated structure to achieve a smaller packed volume. The flexibility of thin films enables them to conform closely together during compression without requiring excessive packaging space.
3Shape
If more and denser tension bands are added, then rectangularity and shape definition improve, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented strands spaced at specific intervals to define the rectangular shape. The spacing and arrangement of these discrete strands are optimized to provide sufficient shape definition without requiring continuous coverage. This segmented approach achieves the necessary rectangularity while minimizing the total amount of material required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as strand spacing, strand diameter, and weld strip dimensions to achieve the desired rectangular shape with minimal weight. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design finds the optimal balance between shape definition and material usage, avoiding unnecessary weight from excessive material density.
4Shape
If more and denser tension bands are added, then rectangularity and shape definition improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented strand design simplifies the overall structure by using discrete, identical components rather than complex continuous formations. Each strand-weld strip assembly is a standardized unit that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process while achieving the desired rectangular shape through their collective arrangement.
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 solution results in a lightweight, durable, and compact inflatable product with high tensile strength, reducing the overall weight and packed volume compared to traditional PVC sheet-based structures, while maintaining structural integrity and shape during inflation.
Implementation Method 1
a first weld strip (31) connected to one another by a plurality of substantially parallel strands (32)... The strands are firmly connected to the adjacent fabric via an intermediate material, such as a strip or sheet, and the intermediate material is in turn firmly connected to the fabric
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An internal tensioning structure (3) for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces (1,2) in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure (3) is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets (31) via spaced-apart strands (32), such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands (32) provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips (31). At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure (3) and the inflatable product.