Modular Inflatable Structures

Abstract

Connections involving inflatable tubes of a modular inflatable structure are disclosed. A retention element is secured to the structural member such that an inflatable tube disposed within the retention element is secured to the structural member by the retention element when the inflatable tube is inflated. The retention element may be formed from one or more radial loops. The structural member may be configured as a bracket, a hinge or any other suitable component.

1 . A modular inflatable structure comprising a structural member, a retention element defining an inner diameter which is secured to the structural member, and an inflatable tube disposed within the retention element having a nominal inflated diameter greater than the inner diameter of the retention element, such that the inflatable tube is secured to the structural member by the retention element when the inflatable tube is inflated. 
     
     
         2 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , wherein the retention element comprises at least one radial loop. 
     
     
         3 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 2 , wherein the retention element further comprises a saddle that conforms to a profile of the inflatable tube. 
     
     
         4 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 3 , wherein the retention element further comprises a saddle patch in an opposing position with respect to the saddle. 
     
     
         5 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , further comprising multiple inflatable tubes secured to the structural member by respective retention elements. 
     
     
         6 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member is further secured to a planar member. 
     
     
         7 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 6 , wherein the planar member is an inflatable panel. 
     
     
         8 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , further comprising tensor configured to apply an adjustable amount of tension between the inflatable tube and at least one other component of the modular inflatable structure. 
     
     
         9 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member comprises a bracket. 
     
     
         10 . The modular inflatable structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member comprises a hinge. 
     
     
         11 . A method for assembling a modular inflatable structure comprising disposing a first deflated inflatable tube within a first retention element of a structural member, wherein the first retention element has an inner diameter and wherein the first inflatable tube has a nominal inflated diameter greater than the inner diameter of the first retention element, and securing the first inflatable tube to the structural member by inflating the first inflatable tube when disposed within the first retention element. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising disposing a second deflated inflatable tube within a second retention element of the structural member, wherein the second retention element has an inner diameter and wherein the second inflatable tube has a nominal inflated diameter greater than the inner diameter of the second retention element, and securing the second inflatable tube to the structural member by inflating the second inflatable tube when disposed within the second retention element. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising securing the structural member to a planar member. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising adjusting a tensor to distribute loads from the first inflatable tube to at least another component of the modular inflatable structure.