Inflatable Raft Expanded Weld Joint for RF Connection Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable rafts using RF welding for joints face weaknesses due to small diameter connecting surfaces, leading to potential connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A design with a tubular member configuration featuring a weld joint where the first runner has a larger diameter transitioning to a smaller diameter, intersecting perpendicularly with a second runner, and connected by a collar formed from the same material, ensuring a stable connection through RF welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If RF welding is used to join tubular members, then adhesive-free joining is achieved, but connection strength is reduced due to small diameter connecting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an expanded section at the weld joint area of the first tubular member. This expanded section provides a larger diameter connecting surface specifically at the joint location, while the rest of the tubular member maintains its original smaller diameter. This allows RF welding to be performed on a larger surface area, improving connection strength without changing the overall dimensions of the tubular member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by expanding the diameter of the first tubular member at the weld joint location. This creates a transition from a uniform small diameter to a variable diameter structure, where the expanded section provides additional surface area in the radial dimension for welding, thereby improving connection strength while maintaining the original length and other dimensions of the tubular member.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform diameter tubular members are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but weld joint reliability is reduced due to insufficient connecting surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an expanded section at the weld joint area of the first tubular member. This expanded section provides a larger diameter connecting surface specifically at the joint location, while the rest of the tubular member maintains its original smaller diameter. This allows RF welding to be performed on a larger surface area, improving connection strength without changing the overall dimensions of the tubular member.
3Strength
If larger diameter connecting surfaces are used at weld joints, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to diameter transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the expanded section at the first tubular member before the welding process. This pre-formed expansion creates the larger diameter connecting surface in advance, allowing the RF welding to be performed on a prepared, larger surface area. The expansion can be formed through various methods (molding, stretching, or other forming processes) before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the diameter variation.
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 design enhances the structural integrity of the weld joint, preventing failure during inflation by distributing stress evenly and maintaining a stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
The RF (radio frequency) welding technology is being used to build rafts eliminates the use of adhesives for joining processes
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable raft, having: a base, a sidewall, front and back ends, first and second opposite sides; a first tubular member extending between the sides to define a first arch; and a second tubular member extending from the back end to the first tubular member at a weld joint to define a second arch, at the weld joint the first tubular member has a first diameter, the second tubular member has, end to end, a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and adjacent to the weld joint, the first tubular member has a third diameter that is the same as the second diameter.