Inflatable structure and method of transporting an inflatable structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable structures lack the capability to provide a temporary, insulated storage facility suitable for events or disaster zones, as they are not designed for refrigeration and are difficult to transport efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular inflatable structure with a flexible, air-impermeable canopy and tubular ribs, featuring a pressure regulation system, insulating layers, and a collapsible floor design that can be easily transported and set up, incorporating a refrigeration apparatus for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inflatable structure uses a flexible canopy with tubular ribs for easy deployment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity during storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components: the canopy with tubular ribs can be separately inflated and deployed, while the floor panels form a separate container for storage. This segmentation allows the canopy to be easily deployed by inflation while the floor panels provide structured storage when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular ribs transition from a deflated collapsed state during storage to an inflated supported state during deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to adapt between compact storage and fully functional deployed states, maintaining ease of operation while providing structural integrity when needed.
2Speed
If the inflatable structure is designed for rapid deployment without insulation, then the speed of deployment is improved, but the temperature control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panels are pre-configured to form an insulated container with thermal insulation layers. This preliminary preparation of the storage container allows the inflatable canopy to be rapidly deployed for its intended purpose while the pre-built container provides immediate temperature control capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor panels serve dual functions: they form the base of the inflatable structure during deployment and transform into an insulated storage container when the canopy is collapsed. This multi-functionality allows rapid deployment while maintaining temperature control capability through the insulated container design.
3Device complexity
If the inflatable structure uses a simple collapsed state for storage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transportation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflated canopy is nested within the container formed by the floor panels when in closed configuration. This nesting arrangement consolidates the entire structure into a compact form during storage and transportation, improving transportation efficiency without requiring additional external containers or complex packaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container and the inflatable structure are merged into a single integrated system. The floor panels that form the base during deployment transform into the container walls for storage, eliminating the need for separate storage containers and improving transportation efficiency while maintaining simple structure design.
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 structure effectively provides a temporary, insulated storage facility that can maintain low temperatures and is easily transported and assembled, addressing the need for refrigerated storage in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular ribs are connected to a source of compressed air so that they inflate and form arches which support the canopy
Implementation Method 2
A temporary refrigerated storage facility may, for example, be required for cold storing food or beverages
Data Source
AI summary
A structure is provided having a floor, and a canopy made from a flexible, substantially air-impermeable material and having a tubular rib. The canopy has an air inlet port by which the interior of the tubular rib can be connected to a source of compressed air, and is movable by the supply of compressed air from a collapsed state in which the tubular rib is deflated to an inflated state in which the tubular rib is inflated and supports the canopy in such a way that the canopy encloses an interior space above the floor and forms a roof and side walls of the structure. The floor has three substantially rigid floor panels which may be arranged together to form a substantially planar floor, or connected together to form the base and sides of a container in which the canopy can be stored when in the collapsed state.