Welding process for producing an inflatable product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching tensioning structures to inflatable products do not effectively prevent weldable contact between different portions of the structures, leading to potential defects and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of a high-power, high-frequency welder with an upper and lower die system, along with an isolating member, to simultaneously weld tensioning structures to both sheets of the inflatable product while preventing direct contact between the welded portions, ensuring secure attachment without fusion between the first and second portions of the tensioning structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tensioning structures are welded to both sheets simultaneously without isolation, then productivity is improved, but welding precision deteriorates due to unintended fusion between portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidwelding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An isolating member is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the first and second portions of the tensioning structure during the welding process. This mediator prevents direct contact and unintended fusion between the portions while allowing simultaneous welding to both sheets, thus maintaining both productivity and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If isolating members are used to prevent weldable contact, then welding precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding precisionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolating member is designed to be removable after the welding process completes. The temporary nature of the isolating member during welding reduces long-term device complexity while maintaining welding precision during the critical manufacturing stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional sequential welding is used, then welding precision is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolating member is pre-positioned between the tensioning structure portions before the welding process begins. This preliminary action enables both welding operations to proceed simultaneously without interference, improving productivity while maintaining the precision that would otherwise require sequential operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method ensures robust and durable attachment of tensioning structures to inflatable products by preventing weldable contact, enhancing the structural integrity and preventing defects, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the inflatable products.

Implementation Method 1

a high-power, high-frequency welder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-frequency vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

welding the first portion of the plurality of tensioning structures to the first sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3269533B1Welding process for producing an inflatable product
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 INTEX RECREATION CORP
  • EP3269533B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3269533B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3269533B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A welding process of an inflatable product is provided that includes using isolating members (6) between first and second portions of weldable tensioning members (4) to resist the first and second portions of the weldable tensioning structures being welded together during welding of the first portions to a first sheet (5) of weldable material and welding of the second portions to a second sheet (7) of weldable material.