Rigidized Inflatable Structures for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid structures are cumbersome to transport and deploy in constrained spaces due to their permanent rigidity, lacking the ability to transition from a flexible to a rigid state efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A composite structural element comprising flexible laminate layers and an inflatable bladder that separates when pressurized, increasing stiffness by altering the second moment of area and allowing the structure to change from a flexible to a rigid state for enhanced portability and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a structure is made permanently rigid to provide structural support, then strength and rigidity are improved, but ease of transport and deployment in constrained spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from a static rigid state to a dynamic system that can switch between flexible and rigid states. The inflatable bladder allows the laminate layers to be spaced apart (rigid state) or collapsed together (flexible state), enabling the structure to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural rigidity is controlled by changing the physical state of the inflatable bladder (inflated vs. deflated). When inflated, the bladder maintains separation between laminate layers, increasing the second moment of area and rigidity. When deflated, the layers collapse together, reducing rigidity and improving portability.
2Strength
If a structure is made permanently rigid to provide structural support, then strength and rigidity are improved, but ease of deployment in constrained spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from a static rigid state to a dynamic system that can switch between flexible and rigid states. The inflatable bladder allows the laminate layers to be spaced apart (rigid state) or collapsed together (flexible state), enabling the structure to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is divided into separate laminate layers that can move relative to each other. The inflatable bladder acts as a spacer between these segments, allowing them to be separated for rigidity or collapsed for compact deployment in constrained spaces.
3Strength
If the distance between laminate layers is increased to increase structural stiffness, then rigidity is improved, but the overall size and volume of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from a static rigid state to a dynamic system that can switch between flexible and rigid states. The inflatable bladder allows the laminate layers to be spaced apart (rigid state) or collapsed together (flexible state), enabling the structure to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural rigidity is controlled by changing the physical state of the inflatable bladder (inflated vs. deflated). When inflated, the bladder maintains separation between laminate layers, increasing the second moment of area and rigidity. When deflated, the layers collapse together, reducing rigidity and improving portability.
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 structure to be compactly transported and easily deployed in tight spaces, offering increased stiffness and structural support when needed, while maintaining flexibility in its inactive state for convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The increase in distance between the laminate layers and its centroidal axis increases the structural stiffness. In other embodiments, the second moment of area of a beam can be adjusted by changing the effective thickness, h.
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable bladder configured for connection with a material infusion or vacuum source and disposed in-between the first and second laminate layers, wherein the composite structural element is configured to rigidize when the bladder is inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A composite structural element is described, including: a first laminate layer comprising a plurality of first material layers; a second laminate layer comprising a plurality of second material layers; and an inflatable bladder configured for connection with a fluid inflation or deflation source and disposed in-between the first and second laminate layers.