Welded Fabric Air Hose for Compact Storage and Kink Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-conditioned air hoses for aircraft are not optimized for compact storage and efficient air delivery, particularly when not in use, leading to space inefficiencies and potential kinking issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of air hoses formed from a single or multiple sheets of woven polyamide fabric with a weldable thermoplastic coating, where the edges are welded and optionally stitched to create a sealed, airtight tube, and featuring elastic strips for kink prevention and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the air hose is made long enough to reach from the pre-conditioned air unit to the aircraft cabin, then the air delivery function is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air hose is constructed from multiple sheets of woven polyamide fabric that are welded together to form a tube structure, allowing the long hose to be segmented into manageable sections that can be compactly stored when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The air hose can be rolled or folded into a compact configuration that nests within a limited storage space on the passenger boarding bridge, allowing the long hose to be stored efficiently without requiring excessive space
2Volume of moving object
If the air hose is made compact for storage, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the air delivery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air hose transitions from a compact stored state to an extended operational state, dynamically adapting its configuration to meet different functional requirements while maintaining air delivery efficiency when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The air hose is constructed from flexible woven polyamide fabric with thermoplastic coating, allowing it to be compacted for storage while maintaining its structural integrity and air delivery capability when extended into use
3Reliability
If the air hose is made from woven fabric with welding, then the airtightness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air hose combines woven polyamide fabric with thermoplastic coating and welding seams to achieve airtightness, using composite materials to balance manufacturing complexity with reliability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening methods are replaced with welding technology to join the fabric sheets, creating a more reliable airtight seal while streamlining the manufacturing process through thermal bonding
4Ease of operation
If the air hose is made flexible for storage, then the ease of storage is improved, but the risk of kinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical parameters of the air hose, including its flexibility and structural rigidity, are optimized through material selection and construction methods to resist kinking while maintaining ease of storage and deployment
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 provides a compact, durable, and airtight air hose that can be easily stored and deployed, minimizing space requirements while preventing kinking and ensuring efficient air delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The edges of the sheet are heated and pressed together to melt and bond the weldable thermoplastic coating
Implementation Method 2
heated and pressed together to melt and bond the weldable thermoplastic coating
Implementation Method 3
featuring elastic strips for kink prevention
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An air hose and a method for making an air hose that includes a woven polyamide fabric having an edge, a weldable surface coating extending along the edge, and a welded seam extending along the edge to form a tube.