Portable inflatable hover structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air hockey tables are limited in size due to weight and lack portability, and inflatable structures with apertures tend to balloon, making them unsuitable for large-scale, flat hover surfaces that allow straight-line travel of objects.
Innovation Solution
A portable inflatable hover structure made of laminated drop stitch fabric with tensioned lateral connections and a smoothing membrane to maintain a stable, flat surface, utilizing apertures for reduced friction and gravity-assisted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional air hockey tables are made larger to accommodate more players, then player engagement increases, but weight increases making the table non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inflatable envelopes made of flexible fabric materials to create the play surface structure. These thin-walled inflatable structures can span large areas while remaining lightweight and portable, eliminating the need for heavy rigid supports that would prevent movement and relocation of the game table.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic inflation to create structural support and tension in the play surface. By inflating the envelopes with air, the structure gains rigidity and stability without adding significant weight, enabling large play surfaces that remain portable and easy to relocate.
2Ease of operation
If inflatable structures are used to create large play surfaces, then portability improves, but the structures balloon out and cannot provide flat hover surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that inflated structures naturally form curved or spherical shapes due to internal air pressure. The invention works with this curvature by designing the hover surface to accommodate the inflated shape, using the curved surface itself as the functional play area rather than attempting to flatten it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional zones to different parts of the inflated structure. The central inflated portion provides the hover surface with reduced friction, while the edges and supporting structures are designed to maintain stability and portability, creating local variations in structure and function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If apertures are added to inflatable surfaces to create air cushions, then reduced friction is achieved, but the inflatable structure becomes unstable and balloons irregularly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates apertures or porous sections in the inflatable envelope to allow controlled air flow. These apertures create the necessary air cushion for reduced friction while being strategically positioned and sized to maintain structural stability and prevent irregular ballooning of the inflatable structure.
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 large-scale, portable hover surfaces for increased player engagement and efficient object movement, providing a stable and smooth play area for various applications, including conveyor systems and slides.
Implementation Method 1
An object on the playing surface is supported by a cushion of air that reduces friction between the object and the playing surface and increases play speed, liveliness, and enjoyment
Implementation Method 2
Air hockey tables have means to produce air pressure and maintain an elevated pressure on the underside of the playing surface which causes air to pass through apertures in the playing surface
Implementation Method 3
A hover slide structure utilizes an incline and gravity to provide increased velocity
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable hover structure, conveyor structure, and slide structure are disclosed utilizing an inflatable envelope with a perforated top surface and tensioning reinforcements to establish a smooth hover surface.