Polygonal Inflatable Tent Structure for Large Coverage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile structures, such as tents, with inflatable support columns are limited in size due to their arched curved design, restricting the covered floor area and being complex to produce.

Innovation Solution

A mobile structure with a support system composed of multiple structural elements connected along circumference sections, utilizing inflatable marginal tubes and connection components with endpieces and optional elastic coupling elements, allowing for higher rigidity and larger coverage areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If arched inflatable support columns are used, then the structure is easy to assemble and disassemble, but the covered floor area is limited and the structure becomes complex to produce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcovered floor area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into multiple straight inflatable edge tubes that form polygonal structural elements, rather than using a single arched column. This segmentation allows the structure to expand to larger areas while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from curved arched columns to straight polygonal edge tubes. By eliminating the curved arch design and using straight edges to form polygons, the structure achieves larger coverage areas while simplifying the inflatable elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If arched inflatable support columns are used, then the structure provides adequate support, but the manufacturing process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into multiple straight inflatable edge tubes that form polygonal structural elements, rather than using a single arched column. This segmentation allows the structure to expand to larger areas while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the inflatable elements from curved arches to straight polygonal edges. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing of each individual tube while the overall structural support is maintained through the polygonal configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If inflatable support columns are used, then the structure is lightweight and easy to handle, but the rigidity is insufficient for large areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure weightVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple straight inflatable edge tubes are combined to form rigid polygonal structural elements. The combination of these tubes creates a stable geometric configuration that provides the necessary rigidity for large areas while maintaining the lightweight advantage of inflatable materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from curved arched columns to straight polygonal edge tubes. By eliminating the curved arch design and using straight edges to form polygons, the structure achieves larger coverage areas while simplifying the inflatable elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enables a mobile structure with higher rigidity and lower weight, allowing for larger coverage areas and simpler handling, while maintaining high load capacity and wind stability.

Implementation Method 1

at least some, preferably all, of the circumferential sections are formed by inflatable perimeter tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the end pieces is connected to the connecting component via an elastic coupling element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4545735A1Mobile building

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 X GLOO GMBH & CO KG

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

AI summary

A mobile structure (1; 101), preferably a tent, is disclosed, comprising a supporting structure (4) made up of a plurality of structural elements (6; 106) connected along circumferential sections to adjacent structural elements (6; 106) and formed in the manner of a polygon, wherein at least some of the circumferential sections are formed by inflatable edge tubes (8a, 8b; 8). The edge tubes (8a, 8b; 8) have an inflatable support element (12) and end pieces (18) attached to the axial ends of the inflatable support element (12). The end pieces (18) are each connected to a connecting component (10).