Inflatable Vessel Restraint Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable vessel designs for space applications lack an efficient method for designing and manufacturing a restraint layer that can maintain structural integrity and desired geometric configuration under varying loads during inflation and deflation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for designing and manufacturing a restraint layer using interfacing longitudinal and hoop straps, which calculates and specifies manufacturing gaps based on load calculations and elongation percentages to achieve a specified inflated configuration, ensuring the restraint layer maintains its shape and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional inflatable vessel restraint layers are designed without accounting for strap elongation during inflation, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the inflated configuration fails to achieve the desired geometric shape and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the elongation of straps during inflation beforehand and using this information to determine the correct manufacturing gaps between adjacent straps. The design process pre-determines the uninflated configuration parameters (gap distances, strap lengths) based on predicted inflated state requirements, ensuring the restraint layer achieves the desired geometric configuration when inflated without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the gap distances between adjacent straps in the uninflated configuration based on calculated elongation percentages. The design methodology adjusts key parameters (gap distances, strap dimensions) to compensate for expected dimensional changes during inflation, transforming the restraint layer from a simple assembly to a precision-engineered structure that maintains geometric accuracy through controlled parameter variations
2Shape
If manufacturing gaps between adjacent straps are not precisely calculated, then the assembly process is faster and easier, but the inflated restraint layer cannot maintain the desired shape under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by calculating specific gap distances between adjacent straps based on elongation analysis. The methodology determines precise manufacturing parameters (gap distances, strap lengths) that account for expected dimensional changes during inflation, ensuring the restraint layer achieves and maintains the desired geometric configuration when inflated to operating pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional trial-and-error physical prototyping and manual adjustment methods with computer-based computational analysis. The design methodology uses software to calculate elongation percentages, determine optimal gap distances, and generate manufacturing specifications, substituting mechanical experimentation with mathematical modeling to achieve precise geometric control
3Strength
If the restraint layer uses more straps to improve structural integrity, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the weight of the inflatable vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing strap dimensions, material properties, and spacing parameters to achieve maximum structural efficiency. The methodology calculates the minimum number and optimal configuration of straps required to withstand expected loads, adjusting parameters such as strap width, thickness, and gap distances to balance strength requirements with weight minimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying strap characteristics (dimensions, material, spacing) at different locations within the restraint layer based on local stress distributions. The methodology identifies high-stress regions requiring enhanced reinforcement and low-stress regions where straps can be spaced farther apart or reduced in size, creating a non-uniform structure that optimizes strength-to-weight ratio by concentrating material where most needed
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 method enables the creation of a lightweight, efficient restraint layer that maintains the desired geometric configuration and structural integrity of inflatable vessels, optimizing weight distribution and allowing for integration of hard structures, while being easily assembled and repaired.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a percent elongation in the transversely extending straps in the vicinity of the adjacent straps
Implementation Method 2
calculating a percent elongation in the transversely extending straps... The specified design gap (between the adjacent straps) is then reduced by application of the percent elongation
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method is provided for designing a restraint layer of an inflatable vessel. The restraint layer is inflatable from an initial uninflated configuration to an inflated configuration and is constructed from a plurality of interfacing longitudinal straps and hoop straps. The method involves providing computer processing means (e.g., to receive user inputs, perform calculations, and output results) and utilizing this computer processing means to implement a plurality of subsequent design steps. The computer processing means is utilized to input the load requirements of the inflated restraint layer and to specify an inflated configuration of the restraint layer. This includes specifying a desired design gap between pairs of adjacent longitudinal or hoop straps, whereby the adjacent straps interface with a plurality of transversely extending hoop or longitudinal straps at a plurality of intersections. Furthermore, an initial uninflated configuration of the restraint layer that is inflatable to achieve the specified inflated configuration is determined. This includes calculating a manufacturing gap between pairs of adjacent longitudinal or hoop straps that correspond to the specified desired gap in the inflated configuration of the restraint layer.