Inflatable Structures With Twisted-Coil Fibers for Adjustable Curvature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable structures used for projection screens lack the ability to dynamically adjust to curved surfaces, such as those defined by a bowl function, due to fixed rigidity and irregular bulges, limiting their adaptability and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of silver-coated twisted coil polymer fibers (TCPAs) within inflatable structures, which can adjust shape through electrical or thermal stimuli, allowing contraction or expansion to create adjustable curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid inflatable structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to curved surfaces is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to curved surfacesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the inflatable structure's surface adjustable and reconfigurable through independently controllable inflatable segments. Each segment can be inflated or deflated to dynamically change the surface curvature, allowing the structure to adapt to different curved surfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the inflatable structure into multiple independently controllable segments or cells. This segmentation allows different portions of the surface to be adjusted independently, enabling the structure to conform to complex curved surfaces while maintaining stability through the coordinated control of individual segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed rigidity structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality for curved surfaces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for curved surfacesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal inflatable structure that can serve multiple functions by adjusting its surface curvature. The same basic structure can be configured to match different curved surfaces (spherical, cylindrical, parabolic, etc.) through controlled inflation of segments, eliminating the need for different structures for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters (inflation pressure, segment volume) to adjust the surface geometry. By varying the inflation state of different segments, the structure can transition between different curved configurations, enabling functional adaptability without changing the fundamental structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable surface structures are implemented, then adaptability to different curvatures is improved, but control precision is challenged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to desired curvaturesVSAvoidcurvature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different segments of the inflatable structure to have different inflation states. Each segment can be independently controlled to achieve the specific curvature required at that location, enabling precise matching of complex curved surfaces through localized adjustment rather than uniform changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 dynamically adjust to desired curvatures, enhancing their adaptability and functionality for applications like curved projection screens.

Implementation Method 1

silver-coated twisted coil polymer fibers (TCPAs), which can adjust shape through electrical or thermal stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule Heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

silver-coated twisted coil polymer fibers (TCPAs), which can adjust shape through electrical or thermal stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20250377585A1Adjustable inflatable structures using silver-coated twisted coil polymer fibers

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein relate to using silver-coated twisted-coil polymer fibers to adjust the shape of inflatable structures, such as to provide an adjustable curved projection screen. In one embodiment, a method includes providing an adjustable inflation system capable of providing an electrical stimulus to a set of fibers within an inflatable structure where the set of fibers can adjust a surface of the inflatable structure from a first state to a second state based on the electrical stimulus.