Modeling inlfated objects (Like Rafts)

Has anyone ever used SW to "unwrap" a solid model? What I am
looking to do is use the software in a unique application. We make
inflatable products such as shelters and rafts. We can easily make the
inflated assembled model and also any accessories such as valves and
hardware. But where we need to bring in assistance is taking the
inflated model and laying out the panels of material in the flat view.
We need to somehow take our inflated tubes and lay out the flat
patterns required to assemble the final product. We need to see the
true profile needed to cut the material. Part of the problem is that
the tubes do not keep a consistent diameter or shape as the you go from
one end of the tube to the other, and the tubes intersect and connect
so only one aspirator is needed to inflate the assembly.

Think of one of those inflatable Jump Gyms that kids have at birthday
parties. How would you get the inflated tubes to also have a
configuration that shows flat panels of materials also?

I hope I you can understand what I am talking about. If not I will try
to give picture examples.


Rich

 

I have developed a teardrop shaped aerostat (tethered blimp) by
dividing it up in to twelve flat segments then using SW sheet metal to
fatten the shape, this worked well
enough for our project as the material had some stretch so was a bit
forgiving.
However whilst investigating this problem I found a package called
blankworks this works within SW and can develop complex curves, It
worked really well, I downloaded there demo this proved my SW pattern
to within 2%, but my shape was simple.
Because mine was a one off project we could not justify the expense,
although anyone in this or the formed sheet metal area would I think
find it a very useful tool

http://www.3dvision.com/Products/BlankWorks.php

Steve Lovell