Internal Patching Apparatus for Inflatable Device Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable items such as balls, inner tubes, and life jackets frequently develop holes and tears, necessitating an effective method for their repair.
Innovation Solution
A patching apparatus and method involving a probe, tip, cap, body portion, handle, adhesive, and patch that allows for the internal application of patches to inflatable devices, creating an air-tight seal and using adhesive to secure the patch in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patches are applied externally to inflatable items, then the repair process is simple and accessible, but the seal reliability is insufficient and patches may detach under internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional external patching approach by applying patches from the interior of the inflatable item. The patching apparatus is inserted through a puncture hole from the outside, but the patch itself is applied to the inner surface of the inflatable wall, allowing internal pressure to press the patch against the puncture site and create a reliable seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patching apparatus is designed with a nested structure where the patch, adhesive, and sealing components are contained within the apparatus body. The apparatus itself is inserted through the puncture hole, with the tip portion containing the patch and adhesive reservoir nested within the body portion, allowing compact delivery of multiple components through a single insertion point.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to secure the patch, then the patch attachment strength is improved, but the application precision and control of adhesive distribution become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the internal pressure of the inflatable item as an intermediary force to control adhesive distribution and patch placement. The pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the inflatable automatically presses the adhesive against the inner surface at the puncture site, ensuring precise application without requiring manual positioning or complex dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing internal pressure of the inflatable item to perform the work of securing the patch and controlling adhesive distribution. The pressurized interior environment self-regulates the adhesive flow and patch positioning, eliminating the need for additional precision control mechanisms or manual intervention during the bonding process.
3Ease of operation
If the puncture hole is sealed from the exterior, then the repair process is straightforward, but the seal cannot withstand internal pressure and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to seal the puncture hole from the exterior where internal pressure works against the seal, the patent inverts the approach by applying the patch from the interior side of the wall. This allows the patch to be pressed against the puncture site by internal pressure, converting the pressure differential from a harmful force into a beneficial sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the patch application process from the exterior environment and relocates it to the interior environment of the inflatable item. By removing the patching components from external application and placing them inside the pressurized environment, the system leverages the internal pressure to create a reliable seal that can withstand operating 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
The solution enables reliable and efficient repair of inflatable items by forming a durable seal and using internal pressure to maintain the patch, extending the life of these devices.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive 18 and a patch 20... using adhesive to secure the patch in place
Implementation Method 2
using internal pressure to maintain the patch, extending the life of these devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present system, method and apparatus are adapted for the quick and easy patching of inflatable devices. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods comprise a tip, a body portion, an adhesive, a patch and a probe, wherein the tip and body portion are inserted into the inflatable device so as to apply the adhesive and patch to the interior of the device to create an air-tight seal. The disclosure thus provides an improved patching system, apparatus and method.