Triangular Prism Hyperbaric Chamber Reducing Zipper Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable hyperbaric chambers face challenges in stability and strain on closure members due to their cylindrical shapes, which can lead to difficulties in opening and closing, especially under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A portable hyperbaric chamber with a triangular prism shape and flexible, polyurethane-laminated Nylon construction, featuring a substantially flat front face and a zipper closure mechanism reinforced by coil fasteners to reduce stress on the airtight zipper, allowing for easier operation and increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cylindrical shape is used for portable hyperbaric chambers, then the chamber can be made compact and portable, but the chamber becomes unstable and the closure member experiences high strain under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric triangular prism shape. This geometric change redistributes the stress distribution across the closure member, reducing strain concentration at specific points while improving overall structural stability during pressurization.
2Ease of operation
If a cylindrical shape is used for portable hyperbaric chambers, then the chamber can be made compact, but the closure member experiences high strain making it difficult to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular prism geometry creates an asymmetric stress distribution pattern that reduces peak strains on the closure member compared to cylindrical designs. This allows the zipper closure mechanism to operate more easily under pressure without experiencing excessive force concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the closure member at a specific location on the triangular prism where stress concentration is minimized. The geometric configuration naturally directs stress away from the closure area, improving ease of operation.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used for the chamber, then structural integrity under pressure is maintained, but the chamber becomes difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible polyurethane-laminated Nylon material that can be deflated to a compact form for easy transport and then inflated to achieve the required structural integrity during use. The flexible nature allows portability while the material strength maintains structural integrity under pressurization conditions.
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 triangular prism design provides a stable and compact chamber with reduced strain on the closure mechanism, facilitating easier entry and exit, and maintaining structural integrity under pressure, while the flexible materials allow for easy transport and operation up to 1.3 ATA.
Implementation Method 1
portable pressurized hyperbaric chamber with a triangular prism shape and flexible, polyurethane-laminated Nylon construction
Implementation Method 2
zipper closure mechanism reinforced by coil fasteners to reduce stress on the airtight zipper
Implementation Method 3
maintaining structural integrity under pressure, while the flexible materials allow for easy transport and operation up to 1.3 ATA
Data Source
AI summary
A chamber has an elongated rectangular flexible panel with a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, a first lateral panel having a substantially triangular shape and rounded corners, and a second lateral panel having a triangular rectangular shape and rounded corners. The first lateral panel is sealingly engaged to the first longitudinal side of the elongated rectangular flexible panel. The second lateral panel sealingly engaged to the second longitudinal side of the elongated rectangular flexible panel. The elongated rectangular flexible panel, first lateral panel, and second lateral panel form the chamber having a substantially triangular prism shape.