Segmented Pneumatic Structure for Multi-Directional Shape Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic structures have limited mechanical properties due to large internal cavities compared to material in walls, making them difficult to bend and limiting shape deformation to one-dimensional flexion-extension kinematics, which restricts their application in forming complex three-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
The development of an elastically deformable pneumatic structure with internal cavities that can be pressurized to change shape, featuring a macroscopic metric distinct from its rest configuration, with a radius of curvature greater than twice the size of the internal cavity, and an internal reinforcing framework that stiffens the structure, allowing for multi-directional deformation and complex shape formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the internal cavities are made large to enable significant deformation and volume change, then the structure can achieve substantial shape transformation, but the mechanical properties deteriorate and the structure becomes difficult to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The structure divides the internal cavity into multiple smaller cavities separated by partition walls. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve significant volume change and shape transformation while maintaining better mechanical properties, as each smaller cavity contributes less to the overall deformation difficulty compared to a single large cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The structure combines the elastomeric material with internal partition walls to create a composite pneumatic structure. The partition walls act as internal reinforcement that maintains structural integrity and mechanical properties while allowing the cavities to expand and contract for shape transformation
2Shape
If the internal cavities are inflated to achieve three-dimensional deformation, then the structure can form complex shapes, but the deformation is limited to one-dimensional flexion-extension kinematics
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the internal cavity into multiple smaller cavities with partition walls, the structure enables multi-directional deformation. Each cavity can expand independently in different directions, allowing the structure to achieve complex three-dimensional shape changes beyond simple flexion-extension, including bending, twisting, and volumetric changes
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls create additional internal surfaces and compartments that enable deformation in multiple dimensions. The structure can expand not only radially but also in longitudinal and lateral directions, achieving multi-axial deformation kinematics that transcend one-dimensional flexion-extension
3Volume of moving object
If the structure is made compact at rest to reduce volume, then the structure can be easily stored and transported, but the mechanical properties are further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented cavity structure with partition walls maintains structural integrity even in the compact rest state. The partition walls provide internal support that prevents the structure from collapsing completely, preserving mechanical properties while allowing significant volume reduction for compact storage and transport
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 rapid and controlled shape adaptation with minimal external appearance modification, suitable for various applications including biomedical, recreational, and industrial uses, by maintaining a compact rest configuration and expanding to a deployed configuration with enhanced mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable body defining at least one network of internal cavities, each internal cavity being capable of being pressurized so as to cause the elastically deformable body to pass from a rest configuration to at least one pressurized configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The structure (10) comprises an elastically deformable body (12) defining at least one network of internal cavities (14), each internal cavity (14) having a closed contour in at least one section of the internal cavity (14).Each internal cavity (14) is able to be pressurized so as to make the elastically deformable body (12) pass from a rest configuration to at least one pressurized configuration.In each pressurized configuration, the elastically deformable body (12) has a macroscopic metric that is distinct from its macroscopic metric in the rest position.In each pressurized configuration, the radius of curvature of an outer surface of the elastically deformable body (12), considered regarding each internal cavity (14) adjacent to the outer surface, is greater than twice the size of the internal cavity (14) adjacent to the outer surface.