Self supporting inflatable structure - is made by using toothed drum to deform flexible band before fixing it to undeformed band

摘要

The system is for making a cellular structure with communicating cells in given patterns for e.g. heat exchangers or solar collectors. There are one or more hydraulic or pneumatic circuits with an inlet. On a band (4) of flexible material recesses (6) are made and housed in matrices. There is a second flat or recessed band (7) which is attached, by adhesive or welding, to the first band long its entire length. The process uses a drum (1) or endless belt with teeth and grooves (2) with a series of radial suction channels (3) which draw the band inwards to conform to the shapes of the grooves of the drum.