Self-Inflating Weapon Case with Air Chambers

Solution Overview

Problem

Current weapon cases either lack the necessary impact resistance and weather-proofing or are heavy and bulky, making them difficult to pack and transport effectively.

Innovation Solution

A self-inflating weapon case design featuring an inflatable portion with an interior housing, an inflating system between layers of flexible and moisture-impermeable material, and a non-inflatable portion with a sealing system, allowing for controlled air flow and compression for protection and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid exterior material is used for the weapon case, then impact resistance is improved, but weight and bulk increase making it difficult to pack and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the case material from a permanently rigid state to a dynamically adjustable state. The inflatable portion can be inflated to a rigid state for impact protection during transport, then deflated to a flexible state for compact storage, allowing the same structure to provide both protection and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the case structure adaptable and changeable. The inflatable portion with air chambers can be inflated or deflated as needed, transforming the case from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that changes its properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a rigid exterior material is used for the weapon case, then impact resistance is improved, but ease of packing and transport deteriorates due to increased bulk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidbulk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the case structure adaptable and changeable. The inflatable portion with air chambers can be inflated or deflated as needed, transforming the case from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that changes its properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the case into an inflatable portion with multiple air chambers and a non-inflatable portion. This segmentation allows the protective function to be isolated to specific sections while maintaining overall case flexibility and compressibility for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a flexible material is used for the weapon case, then ease of transport is improved, but protection against impact and weather deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidprotection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the case material from a permanently rigid state to a dynamically adjustable state. The inflatable portion can be inflated to a rigid state for impact protection during transport, then deflated to a flexible state for compact storage, allowing the same structure to provide both protection and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by combining the inflatable portion with air chambers with the non-inflatable portion made of durable material. This composite structure integrates the protective qualities of rigid materials with the portability benefits of flexible materials in a unified case design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Volume of moving object

If the weapon case is made compressible for storage, then ease of storage is improved, but structural integrity for protection may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompressibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the case structure adaptable and changeable. The inflatable portion with air chambers can be inflated or deflated as needed, transforming the case from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that changes its properties based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 self-inflating case provides enhanced impact resistance and weather-proofing while being lightweight and easily compressible for storage and transport, addressing the limitations of existing hard and soft shell cases.

Implementation Method 1

The inflatable portion may be inflated using a self-inflating mechanism or an external air source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The number of layers of material are flexible and impervious to penetration by air and moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpervious barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8342324B2Self-inflating weapons case

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 DEBIAS ROD

AI summary

The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising an inflatable portion, a nozzle, and a non-inflatable portion. The inflatable portion has an interior housing and an inflating system. The inflating system is disposed between a number of layers of material. An interior layer of material from the number of layers of material comprises the interior housing. The number of layers of material are flexible and impervious to penetration by air and moisture. The nozzle is connected to the inflatable portion and configured to control fluid flow to and from the inflating system. The non-inflatable portion is connected to an end of the inflatable portion and has a sealing system configured to seal the interior housing of the inflatable portion.