Method for producing an inflatable product

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 weight and folded volume when deflated.

Innovation Solution

The use of thin, flexible strands or wires connected via intermediate plastic strips to form a tensioning structure that provides high tensile strength while minimizing weight and volume, with the strands being welded to the inflatable material to maintain shape and structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thick PVC tension bands are used to maintain shape and provide tensile strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and folded volume of the inflatable product increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous PVC tension band is segmented into discrete plastic strips spaced apart from each other. These strips are connected by tensioning elements (strings, wires, or rods) to provide the necessary tensile strength while reducing material usage. The segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through the tensioning elements rather than relying on continuous thick material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces thick solid PVC bands with thin plastic strips that function as flexible shells. These thin strips are sufficient to provide structural support when combined with the tensioning elements, eliminating the need for thick material and thereby reducing weight while maintaining the required tensile strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If thick PVC tension bands are used to maintain shape and provide tensile strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the folded volume of the inflatable product increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidfolded volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous PVC tension band is segmented into discrete plastic strips spaced apart from each other. These strips are connected by tensioning elements (strings, wires, or rods) to provide the necessary tensile strength while reducing material usage. The segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through the tensioning elements rather than relying on continuous thick material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces thick solid PVC bands with thin plastic strips that function as flexible shells. These thin strips are sufficient to provide structural support when combined with the tensioning elements, eliminating the need for thick material and thereby reducing weight while maintaining the required tensile strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the number and spacing of tension bands are increased to improve rectangularity and shape maintenance, then the shape stability is improved, but the weight and complexity of the structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous PVC tension band is segmented into discrete plastic strips spaced apart from each other. These strips are connected by tensioning elements (strings, wires, or rods) to provide the necessary tensile strength while reducing material usage. The segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through the tensioning elements rather than relying on continuous thick material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining plastic strips with tensioning elements (strings, wires, or rods). This composite approach allows the plastic strips to provide structural framework while the tensioning elements provide the necessary tensile strength, achieving shape stability with reduced weight compared to using thick PVC material alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 achieves a lightweight, compact inflatable product with high tensile strength and reduced material thickness, allowing for efficient inflation and deflation while maintaining the desired geometric shape.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of tensioning structures are then welded to the first and second sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS9802359B2Method for producing an inflatable product

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 INTEX MARKETING

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.