Knitted Fabric With Pliable Threads For Compact Inflatable Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable devices face challenges in achieving controlled and compact storage when not inflated, as existing fabrics do not allow for efficient expansion and space-saving design.
Innovation Solution
A knitted fabric structure comprising two layers connected by pliable threads of predetermined length, with an optional sacrificial yarn for increased expansion capability and a low-permeability film for controlled inflation, manufactured using a warp knitting machine to ensure compactness and controlled expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional fabrics are used for inflatable devices, then the device can be inflated, but the device cannot maintain a compact form when not inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric is segmented into multiple layers (first layer, second layer) connected by discrete pliable threads. This segmentation allows the layers to be closely spaced in the collapsed state while maintaining the ability to separate and expand when inflated, resolving the contradiction between compact volume and expansion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pliable threads are designed with specific length and flexibility to dynamically adjust the distance between layers. When collapsed, the threads maintain close spacing; when inflated, the threads allow controlled separation. This dynamic behavior enables the fabric to transition between compact and expanded states, solving the volume versus adaptability contradiction.
2Area of moving object
If the pliable threads are made longer to enable wider expansion, then the expansion width increases, but the fabric becomes less compact when collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric uses thin, flexible pliable threads with predetermined length to connect layers. These threads are long enough to allow wide expansion when inflated but remain flexible enough to allow the layers to lie close together when collapsed, enabling both wide expansion area and compact collapsed volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the third dimension (space between layers) to achieve expansion. The pliable threads allow separation in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal compactness when collapsed, effectively using dimensional transitions to resolve the area versus volume contradiction.
3Area of moving object
If a sacrificial yarn is used to tie in pliable threads, then the expansion width can be much greater, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial yarn acts as an intermediary element that temporarily holds the pliable threads in place during manufacturing. This intermediary component enables the use of longer pliable threads for greater expansion width while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, as the sacrificial yarn can be removed or dissolved after construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial yarn is designed to be discarded (removed or dissolved) after the fabric structure is constructed. This temporary element enables complex thread arrangements for wide expansion capability during manufacturing, then is discarded to leave the final simplified fabric structure with pliable threads ready for inflation.
4Device complexity
If the pliable threads are stitched directly without sacrificial yarn, then the structure is simpler, but the expansion width is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial yarn performs preliminary action by temporarily securing the pliable threads during construction. This preliminary positioning enables the use of longer threads for greater expansion width, while the threads are later released when the sacrificial yarn is removed, achieving both simplicity and wide expansion capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A knitted fabric is disclosed, comprising a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and a plurality of pliable threads having a predetermined length, the respective ends of the pliable threads being stitched to the first and second layers thereby connecting the first and second layers. Preferably the fabric also contains sacrificial yarn to tie in the pliable threads. Also disclosed is a method for knitting a fabric according to the invention. The fabric has uses in inflatable devices, including airbags, or lifting devices.