Inflatable vessel and method

This invention relates generally to inflatable modules or vessels. In particular, this invention relates to such a module that is lightweight, collapsible and compact prior to deployment, and is capable of being subsequently inflated to provide a relatively large volume for storage, containment, human habitation, shelter, or work, as well as for space flight. This invention also relates to an inflatable module or vessel that may be highly loaded. The benefits of this invention include a vessel having a high strength-to-weight ratio, a minimum volume prior to inflation, high-pressure and/or large volume capability, ease of manufacturing and thus low cost, and an inflated vessel with a relatively low leak rate. An inflatable module comprising a structural core and an inflatable shell, wherein the inflatable shell is sealingly attached to the structural core. In its launch or pre-deployed configuration, the wall thickness of the inflatable shell is collapsed by vacuum. Also in this configuration, the inflatable shell is collapsed and efficiently folded around the structural core. Upon deployment, the wall thickness of the inflatable shell is inflated; whereby the inflatable shell itself, is thereby inflated around the structural core, defining therein a large enclosed volume. A plurality of removable shelves are arranged interior to the structural core in the launch configuration. The structural core also includes at least one longeron that, in conjunction with the shelves, primarily constitute the rigid, strong, and lightweight load-bearing structure of the module during launch. The removable shelves are detachable from their arrangement in the launch configuration so that, when the module is in its deployed configuration and launch loads no longer exist, the shelves can be rearranged to provide a module interior arrangement suitable for human habitation and work. In the preferred embodiment, to provide efficiency in structural load paths and attachments, the shape of the inflatable shell is a cylinder with semi-toroidal ends.