Aeromorph shape management

A method of forming an inflatable structure with a plurality of chambers that can be selectively shaped, the method comprising:

• providing two layers of a programmable material, each layer defining an exterior facing major surface and an interior facing major surface, with each interior major surface comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane;
• joining the two layers of the programmable material to form a bladder;
• forming a plurality of seams in the bladder to define a plurality of foldable segments;
• defining a plurality of hinges configured to permit a folding movement of the respective foldable segments;
• and
• depositing at least one reinforcing member on a portion of one of the exterior facing major surfaces, the reinforcing member exhibiting a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the programmable material, and being configured to guide a directional movement of at least one of the plurality of foldable segments, control a shape of the inflatable structure, and determine a sequence of folding, and the at least one reinforcing member including an extending bead of material.

A method of controlling a sequence of folding a plurality of segments of an inflatable structure, the method comprising:

• joining two layers of a programmable material to form a bladder;
• forming a plurality of seams in the bladder to define a plurality of foldable segments;
• defining a plurality of hinges configured to permit a folding movement of the respective foldable segments;
• depositing a first reinforcing member having a first stiffness value on an exterior facing major surface of a first foldable segment;
• and
• depositing a second reinforcing member having a second stiffness value, greater than the first stiffness value, on an exterior facing surface of a second foldable segment,
• wherein during inflation, the first and second foldable segments move in a sequence, where the first foldable segment bends before the second foldable segment,
• the first stiffness value and the second stiffness value are greater than a stiffness of the bladder, and at least one of the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member including an extending bead of material.