Modular Inflatable Tube Joints With Reduced Seam Leak Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable structures face challenges with increased seam length and potential leak points as more components are joined, making deployment and maintenance difficult, especially in larger structures, and leaks are hard to locate and repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular inflatable structure system using retention elements with inflatable tubes secured within structural members, allowing individual inflation and assembly, reducing seam length and using inflation pressure for secure attachment without additional seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple structural members are joined together using airtight seams to form an interconnected inflatable membrane, then the structure achieves structural integrity and load-bearing capability, but the seam length increases significantly creating more potential leak points and failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inflatable structure into separate, independently inflatable chambers or members. Each member is inflated and sealed independently, then connected through rigid connectors rather than continuous seams. This segmentation reduces the total seam length and creates discrete failure zones, so that a leak in one member does not compromise the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rigid structural members or connectors as intermediary elements between inflatable members. These connectors serve as mediators that join inflatable members without requiring extensive airtight seams between them. The connectors bear structural loads and allow the inflatable members to be joined with minimal sealing, thereby reducing leak points while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple structural members are joined together with complicated seams to form larger structures, then the structure size and complexity increase, but handling, stowing, and deploying becomes much more difficult due to increased weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular, separable components that can be independently handled, stored, and deployed. Each inflatable member is a discrete unit that can be compactly stowed and easily maneuvered. When deployment is needed, individual members can be inflated and connected without requiring the entire structure to be moved or manipulated as one large mass, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inflatable members that can dynamically change their state between deflated (compact for storage) and inflated (expanded for use). This dynamic capability allows the structure to transition from a compact, easy-to-handle state to a large, functional state. The inflatable members themselves provide the structural volume when needed while minimizing storage footprint, resolving the contradiction between structure size and ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If a large inflatable structure is assembled with multiple members and seams, then the structure can span larger areas and provide more coverage, but locating and repairing leaks becomes extremely difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large structure into multiple independently sealed inflatable members, the patent creates discrete, manageable zones. If a leak occurs, it is confined to a single member or a small group of members rather than affecting the entire large structure. This segmentation makes leak detection straightforward: operators can systematically check each member individually, and the limited search area within each member makes locating the leak much easier compared to searching the entire large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connectors or structural members act as intermediaries that physically separate and isolate the inflatable chambers. This isolation means that pressure changes or leaks in one chamber do not directly affect adjacent chambers, allowing for independent testing and inspection of each segment. The intermediary structures enable modular inspection protocols where each module can be evaluated separately, greatly simplifying leak detection in large-scale structures.
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
Facilitates easier assembly, management, and leak identification in larger structures, with reduced seam failure risk and improved load distribution, enabling easier repair and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable tube has a nominal inflated diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the retention element and the inflatable tube is secured to the structural member by the retention element when the inflatable tube is inflated
Data Source
AI summary
Connections involving inflatable tubes of a modular inflatable structure are disclosed. A retention element is secured to the structural member such that an inflatable tube disposed within the retention element is secured to the structural member by the retention element when the inflatable tube is inflated. The retention element may be formed from one or more radial loops. The structural member may be configured as a bracket, a hinge or any other suitable component.