Reinforced Bladder with Exoskeleton for Fluid Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid storage and transport systems face challenges in mitigating flooding and drought conditions, as they lack the durability and flexibility to be deployed in remote areas and efficiently manage water distribution.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible bladder combined with an exoskeleton provides a reinforced bladder system that is durable, flexible, and can be deployed in remote areas, enabling efficient storage and transport of fluids while minimizing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible bladder is used for fluid storage, then adaptability and ease of deployment in remote areas are improved, but durability and structural strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a flexible bladder with an exoskeleton structure to create a hybrid system that merges the adaptability of flexible materials with the strength of rigid structural elements. The exoskeleton surrounds and supports the bladder, providing durability while maintaining the flexible storage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction by integrating two different material systems - the flexible bladder material and the exoskeleton structure - to achieve properties that neither material could provide alone, specifically combining flexibility with structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a rigid structure is used for fluid storage, then structural strength and durability are improved, but adaptability and ease of deployment in remote areas deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional fluid storage systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to mitigate flooding and drought conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the fluid storage system into modular components - the flexible bladder and the exoskeleton - that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while creating a more reliable system capable of withstanding extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution allows for effective water management during flooding and drought conditions, enabling the balanced distribution of water resources without permanent alteration of the landscape, and providing a means for load balancing in energy grids.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible bladder and an exoskeleton that surrounds the flexible bladder on all sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an exoskeleton that surrounds the flexible bladder on all sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250129581A1Devices and Systems for Fluid Storage and Transport

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 LENARD ROGER X

AI summary

Systems and devices for storing a fluid in a reinforced bladder is disclosed. A flexible bladder is configured to store the fluid. An exoskeleton is configured to conform to and protect the flexible bladder on all sides. The combination of the flexible bladder and the exoskeleton results in the reinforced bladder.