Dynamic Inflatable Structures and Digital Fabrication Process

Yu Ting Lin, Pei Hsien Hsu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Inflatable structures made of flat film materials have an advantage of low cost, lightweight and rapid deployment, but the variation of their forms is relatively limited, and it is a challenge to produce pneumatic deformations. This paper proposes a designing and manufacturing process of inflatable structures which are made offlat film materials and are able to perform dynamic movements. The process includes steps in which a target 3D surface is produced through programmed 2D paths heat-sealed on flatfilms of different thickness, leading to a structure composed of air chambers. A parametric modelling procedure and associated principles are developed for the relationship between the forms of a flat-film-based inflatable structure and the heat sealing patterns on the film. A system of double-layer air chambers was designed to control the direction of bending movements. In addition, the form variation of a designed inflatable structure can be achieved by a parametric design process described in this paper.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationeCAADe 2022 - Co-creating the Future
Subtitle of host publicationInclusion in and through Design
EditorsBurak Pak, Gabriel Wurzer, Rudi Stouffs
PublisherEducation and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe
Pages311-320
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9789491207327
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event40th Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, eCAADe 2022 - Ghent, Belgium
Duration: 13 Sep 202216 Sep 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe
Volume1
ISSN (Print)2684-1843

Conference

Conference40th Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, eCAADe 2022
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityGhent
Period13/09/2216/09/22

Keywords

  • Design Tool
  • Digital Fabrication
  • Inflatable Structure
  • Kinetic Structure
  • Pneumatic Structural System

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