Pressurized Bladder Sheathing Device for Luggage Envelope Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sheathing luggage structures with envelopes face challenges such as insufficient vacuum pressure, localized cooling affecting adhesive crosslinking, and potential air bubbles leading to defects, which hinder perfect conformation and adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A device using a pressurized and thermoregulated bladder to conform the envelope-hollow structure assembly to the shaper's reliefs, combined with auxiliary suction mechanisms to ensure complete air removal and secure adhesion, employing a fluid injection system to apply pressure and heat for effective bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If vacuum flow is used to press the envelope against the structure, then the envelope can be positioned on the structure, but the pressure is insufficient (approximately 1 bar per cm2) to ensure proper bonding and elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vacuum-based positioning to pressure-based bonding by introducing a fluid injection system that delivers pressurized fluid (water or air) through a porous layer to the adhesive interface. This hydraulic/pneumatic system generates sufficient pressure to ensure proper bonding and elastic deformation of the envelope while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from low vacuum pressure (1 bar per cm2) to high fluid injection pressure capable of ensuring proper bonding. This parameter change is achieved by switching from a vacuum extraction system to a fluid injection system that can deliver the necessary pressure for both positioning and bonding operations.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum flow is applied to position the envelope, then positioning is achieved, but localized cooling occurs (cold current to a height of about 20 mm) that counteracts the heat required for adhesive crosslinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum flow system with a fluid injection system that introduces pressurized fluid through a porous layer. This system simultaneously achieves positioning and provides thermal energy for adhesive crosslinking without causing localized cooling, as the fluid injection process does not produce the same cooling effect as vacuum flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful localized cooling effect of vacuum flow into a beneficial thermal process by using fluid injection. The injected fluid serves dual purposes: positioning the envelope and providing the heat necessary for adhesive crosslinking, thereby transforming a harmful thermal effect into a beneficial one.
3Ease of operation
If vacuum flow is used for positioning, then the envelope can be secured, but air bubbles remain between the structure and envelope that cannot be eliminated, leading to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid injection through a porous layer to displace air bubbles from the adhesive interface. The pressurized fluid flows through the porous material and pushes air bubbles out, ensuring complete contact between the envelope and the structure. This eliminates the air bubble defects that persist with vacuum flow methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a porous layer through which fluid can be injected. This porous structure allows the fluid to penetrate and reach the adhesive interface, effectively displacing air bubbles and ensuring complete surface contact. The porous material acts as a medium for fluid distribution and air bubble removal.
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 achieves a perfect fit and adhesion of the envelope to the luggage structure, overcoming previous limitations by ensuring uniform pressure and heat distribution, thereby preventing defects and enhancing the bonding process.
Implementation Method 1
A chamber mobile between a position away from the former allowing the hollow structure, the outer casing and the elastic membrane to be installed on the former, and a working position in which the bladder, under the effect of the pressurized fluid, conforms to the shape of the outer face of the former
Implementation Method 2
thermoregulated by the latter to make the bladder adhere to the baggage hollow structure
Implementation Method 3
auxiliary suction means, for example of Venturi type, configured to achieve total suction of the air present at the interface of the bladder and baggage hollow structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sheathing device (10) for a casing (46) on a hollow structure (45), the sheathing device (10) comprising a former (16) for conforming to all or part of the hollow structure (45), a first suction mechanism (15) and a frame (24) configured to maintain an elastic membrane (25) on the external face of the former (16), the sheathing device (10) comprising a box (26) carrying a sealed bladder (33) disposed opposite the former (16), a sealed injection system (40) of pressurized and thermoregulated fluid between the box (26) and the bladder (33), the bladder (33), under the effect of the pressurized fluid, conforms to the shape of the external face of the former (16) and of the structure (45) in its various geometric details and presses the casing (46) onto the sheathing face of the hollow structure (45). The invention also relates to a sheathing method using a sheathing device as defined above.