Multi-Layer Floating Body with Sealed Internal Storage Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable bodies lack an internal storage volume, particularly a sealable one, limiting their applicability in situations where transporting or storing objects is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a floating body with a closable receiving volume by using sheet-like materials with thermoplastic surfaces, creating continuous closed connecting seams between layers to form a sealed compartment accessible from the outside, allowing easy assembly and filling with fluid for buoyancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional welding methods are used to join outer layers, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to difficult access to seam locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional welding approach by turning the assembly inside out through access openings, allowing welds to be applied from the exterior where tools can easily reach. This reversal of the assembly orientation transforms difficult-to-access interior seam locations into easily accessible exterior surfaces, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access openings as intermediary elements that enable the welding process. These openings allow welding tools to reach seam locations that would otherwise be inaccessible, facilitating strong connections without increasing manufacturing complexity. The access openings serve as mediators between the welding tool and the seam locations
2Ease of manufacture
If inflatable bodies are made without internal storage volume, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality is worsened due to inability to transport or store objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inflatable body structure into distinct functional zones: an outer inflatable layer for buoyancy, an inner sealed layer forming a storage compartment, and connecting seams joining them. This segmentation allows the body to simultaneously maintain manufacturing simplicity while gaining the versatility to transport and store objects in the enclosed storage volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inner storage layer is positioned within the outer inflatable layer. The inner layer forms a complete storage compartment that is enclosed by the outer layer, creating a nested configuration that provides both buoyancy and storage functionality without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
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 the production of a floating body with a simple and accessible internal storage volume, ensuring easy connection of layers and stability, while allowing fluid filling for buoyancy, enhancing its utility in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
These plastics melt and are therefore weldable. To bond the two outer layers together, the inner surfaces of the outer layers, coated with a thermoplastic material, are placed together for welding. This occurs along welding elements under pressure and heating, forming a melt in the thermoplastic material. Where both inner surfaces are coated with the thermoplastic material, the melts fuse, and after cooling, a material-tight bond is created, known as a weld.
Implementation Method 2
There are various methods for welding thermoplastics, including high-frequency welding, electric induction heating, hot compressed air, light or laser radiation, and friction. These methods differ in the way the heat is generated to melt the thermoplastic material.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Shown and described is a floating body (1) with a closable receiving volume (3), with a first outer layer (5), a first inner layer (9), a second outer layer (13) and a second inner layer (15), wherein the first outer layer (5), the second outer layer (13), the first inner layer (9) and the second inner layer (15) are formed from a flat material and have an inner surface (17) and an outer surface (19), and wherein the inner surface (17) of the flat material comprises a thermoplastic material, wherein a first continuous closed connecting seam (21) is provided between the first outer layer (5) and the first inner layer (9), wherein a second continuous closed connecting seam (23) is provided between the first inner layer (9) and the second inner layer (15) along the edge of the first inner layer (9),wherein the second continuous closed connecting seam (23) between the first inner layer (9) and the second inner layer (15) extends into the receiving volume (3) formed between the first inner layer (9) and the second inner layer (15), wherein the first and second inner layers (15) are enclosed by the first outer layer (5) and the second outer layer (13), and a third continuous closed connecting seam (25) is provided between the first outer layer (5) and the second outer layer (13) along the edge of the first outer layer (5), so that the first inner layer (9) and the second inner layer (15) are enclosed by the first and second outer layers (13). Also shown and described is a method (100) for producing a floating body (1) with a receiving volume (3).