Inflatable Internal Tensioning Structure for Low-Weight Shape Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable products face challenges in maintaining shape and weight reduction due to the use of thick PVC tension bands, which increase the weight and packed volume of the deflated structure.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning structure formed by connecting plastic strips with spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires, providing high tensile strength while minimizing material thickness and weight, and allowing for various geometric arrangements within the inflatable cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick PVC tension bands are used to maintain shape and provide tensile strength, then the strength and shape stability are improved, but the weight and packed volume of the deflated structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous PVC tension band is segmented into discrete plastic strips connected by strands. This segmentation allows the use of thinner individual components (plastic strips of 0.05-0.15mm thickness) while maintaining overall tensile strength through the distributed strand connections, thereby reducing weight without sacrificing strength
Solution Approach 2:
The tension band structure uses a composite approach combining plastic strips with strand materials (string, wire, or fabric). This composite construction distributes mechanical loads across different material components, achieving required tensile strength with thinner individual elements and reducing overall weight compared to solid PVC bands
2Strength
If thick PVC tension bands are used to ensure force spreading and stress reduction, then the strength and durability are improved, but the packed volume of the deflated structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the tension band into discrete plastic strips connected by strands creates a structure that can be more efficiently compressed and folded. The gaps between strips allow for better material packing during deflation, reducing the overall packed volume while maintaining stress distribution capabilities through the strand connections
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic strips function as thin flexible films that can be efficiently packed when deflated. These thin film structures provide sufficient strength when taut during inflation but occupy minimal volume when collapsed, addressing the packed volume concern while maintaining structural integrity
3Shape
If the thickness and spatial density of tension bands are increased to achieve a flatter bed surface, then the shape stability is improved, but the weight and packed volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented strip-and-strand construction allows for optimized spacing and arrangement of tension elements to achieve flat surfaces. Multiple thin strips can be distributed across the surface area, providing the necessary geometric control for flatness without requiring thick individual bands, thus avoiding the weight penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters from continuous thick bands to discrete thin strips with specific spacing. By adjusting the number, spacing, and length of the plastic strips connected by strands, the flatness parameter can be optimized independently of weight, allowing flat surfaces with reduced material mass
Data Source
AI summary
An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.