Selectively Rigidizable Membrane for Cargo Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo management devices, such as nets and dividers, fail to securely retain cargo during transportation, leading to damage and distraction due to inadequate support, necessitating a more adaptable and intuitive solution.
Innovation Solution
A selectively rigidizable membrane comprising a vacuum bladder and two architectural layers with interconnected tiles and constraining elements, which become rigid when negative pressure is applied, providing secure retention of cargo through frictional and mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo nets and dividers are used to manage loose cargo, then cargo management is achieved, but adequate support is not provided to prevent items from falling over and rolling around
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure transitions from a flexible state during installation to a rigid state during cargo retention. The membrane can be selectively rigidized by applying negative pressure to the vacuum bladder, transforming it from a soft, adaptable form to a rigid, supportive structure that prevents cargo from falling over and rolling around.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the membrane is changed by varying the pressure within the vacuum bladder. By adjusting the pressure parameter, the membrane transitions between flexible and rigid states, providing both ease of installation and strong cargo support as needed.
2Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to secure cargo, then secure retention is achieved, but adaptability to different cargo shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane's ability to dynamically change its rigidity allows it to first conform to various cargo shapes in a flexible state, then rigidize to provide secure retention. This dynamic transformation enables the same structure to adapt to different cargo configurations while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the pressure parameter within the vacuum bladder, the membrane transitions between flexible and rigid states. This parameter change enables the membrane to adapt to different cargo shapes when flexible and provide secure retention when rigidized.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible membrane is used for cargo management, then ease of installation and adaptation is achieved, but secure retention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane dynamically transitions from a flexible state that allows easy installation and adaptation to a rigid state that provides secure cargo retention. The same membrane structure performs both functions at different stages through controlled rigidization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameter within the vacuum bladder is used to control the membrane's flexibility. During installation, the membrane remains flexible for ease of operation; after positioning, negative pressure is applied to rigidize the membrane and achieve secure cargo retention.
4Reliability
If the membrane is made rigid to prevent cargo movement, then cargo security is improved, but flexibility for installation and adaptation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane's rigidity is not fixed but dynamically controlled. It is flexible during installation and adaptation phases, then rigidized for cargo security. This dynamic property allows the membrane to provide cargo security without permanently losing flexibility for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameter controls the membrane's state between flexible and rigid. By adjusting this parameter, the membrane provides flexibility when needed for installation and rigidity when needed for cargo security, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 membrane effectively secures cargo by becoming rigid when needed, preventing movement and damage, while remaining flexible for easy installation and adaptation to various cargo shapes, with adjustable rigidity based on pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are forced into engagement with one another
Implementation Method 2
frictional engagement of the first and second architectural layers preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another
Implementation Method 3
the constraining elements of the first and second architectural layers providing mechanical interference and preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively rigidizable membrane for cargo management comprises a vacuum bladder, and a first architectural layer and a second architectural layer, each of the first and second architectural layers including a plurality of tiles interconnected by flexural elements, each of the tiles of the first and second architectural layers including at least one constraining element extending therefrom, wherein, when atmospheric pressure is present within the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are slidably moveable relative to one another and the membrane is flexible, and further wherein, when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are forced into engagement with one another, the constraining elements of the first and second architectural layers providing mechanical interference and preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another, causing the membrane to become substantially rigid.