Modular Inflatable Structures With Interchangeable Connectors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable structures lack modularity and ease of assembly, storage, and rapid deployment, limiting their versatility and application in various industries.

Innovation Solution

A modular system of interchangeable connectors and inflatable members that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for rapid expansion and configuration into various shapes and functions, incorporating features like lighting and plumbing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional inflatable structures use multiple separate airbags for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but structural complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single airbag structure that can perform multiple functions including generating lift, providing thrust, and serving as a ballast system. The airbag is designed with internal partitions and configurable inflation zones that allow it to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag is divided into multiple internal partitions and zones that can be independently inflated or deflated. This segmentation allows different portions of the airbag to perform different functions simultaneously, enabling versatility while maintaining a unified external structure rather than requiring multiple separate airbags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If inflatable structures are designed as single integrated units, then ease of deployment is improved, but adaptability to different operational configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidconfigurational adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag structure incorporates dynamic elements including movable partitions and adjustable inflation zones that can be reconfigured during operation. This allows the single integrated airbag to transition between different operational configurations (such as hover, forward motion, or towing) while maintaining ease of deployment through a unified inflation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate airbags are used for different functions, then functional specialization is improved, but reliability and risk of system failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidsystem failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple airbag functions into a single integrated airbag structure with internal partitions. This merging reduces the total number of components and connection points, thereby reducing the overall risk of system failure while maintaining functional specialization through the internal zone configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional designs use separate ballast and propulsion systems, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag is designed to serve multiple functions including propulsion, lift generation, and ballast operations. By using the same airbag structure for these different functions rather than separate dedicated systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity and weight while maintaining functional performance through configurable inflation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables stable, versatile structures that can be quickly deployed and adapted to specific needs, suitable for applications such as temporary shelters, construction molds, and recreational structures.

Implementation Method 1

the inflatable structure may be used to generate lift and/or buoyancy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

filling one or more airbags with a gas... the inflatable structure may be used to generate lift and/or buoyancy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas expansion: Boyle's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4493296B1Modular inflatable structures

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 WOBBLEWORKS LLC

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A modular inflatable structure can be formed using inflatable members that are interconnected together at respective joints. The inflatable member can have a connector integrated therewith or be coupled to a separate connector that interconnects adjacent inflatable members. The connector can have flexible and/or rigid components. The structure can have an assembled position in which the inflatable member is coupled with an adjacent inflatable member and flow is permitted therebetween. The structure can be inflated to form a support or framework that can be used in a variety of applications and industries.