Pneumatic Tile Structure for Dynamic Gap Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structures with gaps or clearances suffer from poor aerodynamics, wind noise, and debris ingress, necessitating a solution that can dynamically cover and uncover these gaps as needed.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic articulating structure comprising a plurality of tiles, a flexible cover, and resiliently flexible hinges, where a vacuum chamber is defined by the tiles and cover, allowing for shape alteration via air pressure, with an inflatable layer providing positive pressure to control tile orientation and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gaps or clearances are provided in the structure, then adaptability to different operating scenarios is improved, but aerodynamics deteriorate and wind noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different operating scenariosVSAvoidaerodynamics and wind noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic articulating structure with tiles that can dynamically change their configuration between open and closed states. The tiles are connected by hinges and controlled by pneumatic actuators, allowing the structure to adapt its geometry in real-time based on operating conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between needing gaps for adaptability and requiring a closed form for aerodynamic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure is divided into multiple discrete tiles that can independently articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows selective opening or closing of specific gaps while maintaining aerodynamic integrity in other regions, enabling the structure to provide adaptability without sacrificing overall aerodynamic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If gaps or clearances are provided in the structure, then adaptability to different operating scenarios is improved, but debris ingress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different operating scenariosVSAvoiddebris ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic articulating structure dynamically adjusts the tile configurations to close gaps when debris protection is needed and open them when adaptability is required. The pneumatic control system enables rapid transition between states, allowing the structure to prevent debris ingress during critical operations while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic actuators serve as intermediaries that control the articulation of tiles between open and closed positions. These actuators enable precise control over gap formation and closure, allowing the structure to selectively open for adaptability while closing to prevent debris ingress as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structure is used to maintain shape, then structural integrity is improved, but ability to dynamically cover gaps deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidability to dynamically cover gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible pneumatic actuators and hinge mechanisms that allow the tile structure to bend and articulate while maintaining overall structural integrity. The flexible components enable dynamic gap coverage without compromising the strength and stability of the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic articulating system where tiles can move relative to each other while maintaining structural coherence. The pneumatic control system ensures that the structure maintains its integrity during articulation movements while enabling dynamic gap coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 controlled flexing and sealing of gaps, improving aerodynamics and preventing debris ingress, while allowing for dynamic adjustment of the structure's shape to suit different operational scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

A vacuum chamber is defined by at least the plurality of tiles and the flexible cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The inflatable layer defines a plurality of air pockets constructed to receive positive are pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive air pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11125253B2Pneumatic articulating structure system with internal tile architecture

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A pneumatic articulating structure includes a plurality of tiles, a flexible cover, and a plurality of resiliently flexible hinges. Each tile has a first surface and a second surface facing in opposite outward directions. An area of at least one respective first surface is greater than an area of at least one respective second surface. The cover is constructed to cover the tiles. The second surface of each one of the tiles is attached to the cover. Each tile is engaged to an adjacent tile by a respective hinge, and are proximate to the first surface. A vacuum chamber is define by at least the plurality of tiles and the flexible cover.