Tendon Mounting Plate for High-Altitude Balloon Envelopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-altitude balloon systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively mounting tendons to support the balloon envelope, balancing flexibility and stability while minimizing the load on the envelope material.
Innovation Solution
A tendon mounting system featuring a plate structure with a fill port at the apex of the balloon, where each tendon has first and second portions engaging the plate and a middle portion wrapping around the fill port, allowing for even stress distribution and secure attachment using lightweight materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy metal load ring or rod is attached to the tendons to support the tendon load, then the tendon load support capability is improved, but the overall weight of the balloon system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy metal load rings or rods with a flexible plate structure made of lightweight material that is integrated into the balloon envelope. The plate structure distributes tendon loads through the envelope material itself, eliminating the need for separate heavy metal support components while maintaining load-bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the load support function with the balloon envelope structure by integrating the plate structure directly into the envelope. This merging eliminates the need for separate heavy metal components and reduces overall system weight while maintaining structural integrity and load distribution.
2Strength
If multiple tendons are used to support the balloon envelope, then the load distribution is improved, but the complexity of mounting and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tendon mounting system into discrete tendon units, each with its own first portion, second portion, and middle portion. This segmentation allows for standardized, modular assembly where each tendon can be independently attached to the plate structure at multiple locations, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a mounting surface for multiple tendons, distributes loads from all tendons, and integrates with the balloon envelope. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mounting system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the envelope material is designed to be flexible for deployment, then the deployment capability is improved, but the ability to carry load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function from the envelope material by introducing a separate plate structure. This allows the envelope material to remain flexible for deployment while the plate structure provides the necessary load-bearing capacity. The plate structure acts as an intermediate element that transfers loads without requiring the envelope material itself to be rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure serves as an intermediary between the flexible envelope material and the tendons. It receives loads from the tendons and distributes them to the envelope material in a manner that does not require the envelope to be rigid, thus maintaining deployment flexibility while enabling load carrying capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a balloon having a balloon envelope is provided. The system includes a tendon assembly for mounting tendons to the balloon envelope. This tendon assembly includes a plate structure having a fill port attached to an apex of the balloon envelope and a plurality of tendons arranged over the plate structure. The fill port is configured to allow lift gas to pass into balloon envelope. Each tendon of the plurality of tendons has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of a given tendon is arranged to engage a first section of the plate structure. The second portion is arranged to engage a second section of the plate structure opposite of the first section. The middle portion is arranged to wrap around the fill port of the plate.