Inflatable Structure with Friction-Based Tether Posability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internally tensioned inflatable structures are not suitable for posable devices as they assume only one position once inflated, limiting their adjustability and storability due to the need for rigid components to enable multiple positions.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable structure includes a bladder attached to end caps, loops, and tethers that allow the structure to be adjusted between positions by applying loads, with friction between the tethers and loops maintaining the new position, enabling multiple posable configurations without deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional internally tensioned inflatable structures are used, then the structure provides high compressive strength, but the structure can only assume one position once inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the inflatable structure posable through movable tethers that can slide through loops. The structure transitions from a fixed single-position design to a dynamic multi-position design where the top end cap can be adjusted to different positions while maintaining structural integrity through friction-based tether retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid components are added to enable multiple positions, then the structure can be posed in multiple positions, but the structure loses its inflatable flexibility and storability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible shells and thin films by employing a bladder-based inflatable structure with flexible tethers and loops instead of rigid components. The tethers are configured to slide through loops and be retained by friction, allowing positional adjustment without rigid mechanical joints, thereby maintaining the inflatable and storable nature of the structure.
3Ease of operation
If the structure is designed to maintain multiple positions, then adjustability is enhanced, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through friction-based tether retention where the tethers automatically maintain position through friction with the loops without requiring additional locking mechanisms, motors, or complex control systems. The structure self-regulates its position through the friction between tethers and loops, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling multi-position adjustability.
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
Enables inflatable structures to maintain multiple positions when fully inflated, enhancing adjustability and storability by utilizing tethers and loops to resist deformation and maintain position through friction, allowing for various directional movements and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
As the bladder is inflated, the pressure within the bladder causes the bladder to expand outward and thereby applies tension to the threads
Implementation Method 2
when a compressive load is applied to the top end cap, friction between the first tether and the at least one loop prevents the first tether from sliding through the at least one loop, and thereby maintains the top end cap in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable structure includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a bladder, a nozzle, a loop, and a first tether. The bladder is attached to the top and bottom end caps and is configured to hold pressurized fluid therebetween. The nozzle is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the bladder. The loop is attached to one of the top and bottom end caps. A tether is disposed within the bladder, coupled to the other one of the top and bottom end caps, and extends through the at least one loop. The top end cap assumes a first position when the bladder is inflated. When the top end cap is adjusted from the first position to a second position, the first tether is configured to maintain the top end cap in the second position.