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Principle

29. Pneumatic or Hydraulic Construction

a. Replace solid parts of an object by gas or liquid—these parts
can use air or water for inflation or use air or hydrostatic cushions

  • Principle Description:  Use air or hydraulics to replace common system components or functions.

  • Hints on Usage:  Utilization of a system’s properties of compressibility or incompressibility can lead to system enhancement.

  • The properties of air and liquids have many uses in systems.  Can a troublesome component be replaced with a pneumatic or hydraulic component?  Can a better process outcome be created through the use of fluids (defined as gases or liquids)?  Do the properties of compressibility, flow, turbulence, springiness, energy absorption have an analogical component in the system?


Examples:
  • In the Japanese culture, “saving face” is still an important force.  Thus, to allow social compressibility around this force, the Japanese are loathe to ever directly answer in opposition or to say “No” because this could create a situation where “face” cannot be saved (incompressible).

  • Use of hydraulics for sheet metal shears results in superior cutting consistency and force over mechanical presses.

  • In order to level the ground on a hill, fill a transparent hose with water and get leveling points across hundreds of yards.  This is superior to mechanical measurement.

  • Springs made from rubber boots and filled with nitrogen gas deliver a smooth ride at a lower expense for heavy loads.

  • Satellite antennas can be made from inflatable structures that save space and are inflated to create the geometry needed.

  • Dashpots that use oil or air are used to soften the impact of slowing a moving device.  They are often more reliable than friction.

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