Internally tensioned inflatable structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internally tensioned inflatable structures have limitations in expansion control and compressive load distribution due to uniform tether spacing and stiffness, which affects their application in devices requiring varied load carrying capacities and surface contours.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable system features a bladder with multiple tethers of varying lengths, spacings, angles, and stiffnesses within different regions to customize the reaction force and load carrying capacity, allowing for non-flat surface contours and adjustable expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform tether spacing and stiffness are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the expansion control and compressive load distribution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the tether properties (length, spacing, stiffness) in different regions of the inflatable structure. Specifically, the tether spacing is non-uniform with denser spacing in certain areas and sparser spacing in others, and tethers have different stiffness values tailored to local load requirements. This allows different regions to perform different functions - some areas provide greater expansion resistance while others allow more flexibility, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and expansion control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tether system into multiple groups with distinct characteristics. The tethers are divided into first plurality and second plurality, each with different spacing, length, and stiffness properties. This segmentation enables independent optimization of different regions to achieve both manufacturability and enhanced expansion control, as each segment can be designed and manufactured according to specific performance requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform tether spacing and stiffness are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the load carrying capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different tether stiffness values and spacing configurations to different regions based on the compressive load requirements of each area. Regions experiencing higher compressive loads are equipped with stiffer tethers and/or denser spacing, while regions with lower load requirements use more flexible tethers with larger spacing. This localized optimization maximizes the overall load carrying capacity without requiring uniform high-strength construction throughout, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the tethers (length, spacing, stiffness) to optimize load carrying capacity. By varying these parameters across different regions rather than maintaining uniform values, the structure achieves higher overall strength. Specifically, shorter, stiffer tethers with smaller spacing are used in high-load regions, while longer, more flexible tethers with larger spacing are used in low-load regions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and load carrying capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform tether configuration is used, then the structure has homogeneous thickness and flat surfaces, but the surface contour adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring tethers with different properties in different regions to achieve desired surface contours. By varying tether length, spacing, and stiffness locally, the inflatable structure can develop non-flat surfaces and complex geometries in specific areas while maintaining homogeneous thickness overall. This allows the structure to adapt to various shape requirements without complicating the manufacturing process, as the same basic tether attachment method is used throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the inflatable structure into regions with different tether configurations to achieve varied surface contours. The first and second plurality of tethers create different structural characteristics in different zones, enabling the formation of curved surfaces, angled sections, or other non-flat geometries where needed. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standardized tether components and attachment methods while achieving shape diversity through spatial arrangement.
4Strength
If varied tether length, spacing, angle, and stiffness are used, then the load carrying capacity and adjustability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by implementing local quality - varying tether properties only where needed to achieve enhanced load carrying capacity and adjustability. Rather than making the entire structure complex, specific regions have optimized tether configurations while other regions use simpler, standardized arrangements. This localized approach enhances performance where required without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tether configuration adaptable to different operational requirements. The varied tether properties (length, spacing, stiffness, angle) allow the structure to dynamically adjust its mechanical characteristics based on loading conditions and operational mode. This dynamic adaptability enhances load carrying capacity and versatility without requiring a completely complex design, as the same tether system provides different performance characteristics under different conditions.
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 approach enhances the load carrying capacity and adjustability of inflatable structures, enabling their use in diverse applications such as vehicle seats and solar panels, while also reducing manufacturing complexity.
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
the threads are attached to the internal surfaces of the bladder using drop stitching, which yields equal spacing between the stitches. As the bladder is inflated, the pressure within the bladder causes the bladder to expand outward and thereby applies tension to the threads, which in turn limits expansion of the bladder
Implementation Method 3
the pressure within the bladder causes the bladder to expand outward and thereby applies tension to the threads, which in turn limits expansion of the bladder. In addition to limiting expansion of the bladder, the threads increase the amount of compressive load that the bladder may withstand before the bladder deforms due to the compressive load
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable system includes a bladder configured to contain fluid, a first plurality of tethers disposed within a first region of the bladder, and a second plurality of tethers disposed within a second region of the bladder. The first plurality of tethers has a first tether length, a first tether spacing, a first tether angle relative to one wall of the bladder, and a first tether stiffness. The second plurality of tethers has a second tether length, a second tether spacing, a second tether angle relative to the one wall, and a second tether stiffness. At least one of: the second tether length is different than the first tether length; the second tether spacing is different than the first tether spacing; the second tether angle is different than the first tether angle; and the second tether stiffness is different than the first tether stiffness.