Inflatable Sleeve Hemispherical Ends via Longitudinal Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable sleeves cannot achieve a hemispherical profile at the longitudinal ends in the expanded state, as they require rapid variation in the ultimate strength of peripheral yarns, which is difficult to achieve.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable sleeve is designed with a tubular sheath that has a predetermined circumferential elongation capacity and longitudinal elongation capacity between 1.05 and 2.5, allowing the first and/or second ends to adopt a hemispherical profile by controlling the expansion through longitudinal elongation capacity rather than circumferential elongation capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the maximum ultimate strength of peripheral yarns varies quickly from one turn to the next to achieve a hemispherical profile, then the hemispherical profile can be obtained, but the manufacturing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from circumferential elongation capacity (which would require rapid variation in peripheral yarn strength) to longitudinal elongation capacity. By setting the longitudinal elongation capacity between 1.05 and 2.5 times the circumferential elongation capacity, the hemispherical profile is achieved through a single, uniform parameter specification rather than requiring complex spatial variation of material properties.
2Shape
If the longitudinal elongation capacity is increased to achieve hemispherical profile, then the diametric expansion at ends increases, but the control precision over the profile shape decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific quantitative relationship between longitudinal and circumferential elongation capacities (longitudinal capacity between 1.05 and 2.5 times circumferential capacity) to precisely control the hemispherical profile formation, transforming a qualitative shape control problem into a quantitative parameter control problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic expansion process where the sheath transitions from cylindrical to hemispherical through controlled differential elongation. The longitudinal ends experience greater elongation than the central segment, creating a dynamic shape transformation that results in the desired hemispherical profile while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 design simplifies the sheath's structure and allows it to maintain a consistent circumferential elongation capacity, enabling the adoption of a hemispherical profile at the ends while maintaining the desired diameter at the central segment, enhancing its usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular sheath has a predetermined circumferential elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath; and the first and/or second ends of the tubular sheath have a longitudinal elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath comprised between 1.05 and 2.5
Data Source
AI summary
The inflatable sleeve (13) comprises:a mandrel (15) extending in a longitudinal direction;an inflatable casing (17) placed around the mandrel (15);a tubular sheath (19) slid around the casing (17), the tubular sheath (19) having a central segment (27) and first and second longitudinal ends (23, 25) situated on either side of the central segment (27), the first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath (19) being fixed to the mandrel (15), the tubular sheath (19) being extensible from a rest state to an expanded state.The tubular sheath (19) has a predetermined circumferential elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath (19); andthe first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath (19) have a longitudinal elongation capacity from the rest state of the tubular sheath (19) comprised between 1.05 and 2.5, chosen to limit the diametric expansion of the first and/or second ends (23, 25) of the tubular sheath and give the first and/or second ends their shape (23, 25).