COMPANY:
Tangible Workshop

Drop stitch matrix web cushion makes beach wheelchair more accessible.

The drop stitch matrix web lifting cushion makes getting in and out of the beach wheelchair easier and safer.
drop stitch matrix web lifting cushion
drop stitch matrix web lifting cushion

Drop stitch matrix web constructions allows for controlled lifting

Drop stitch matrix web cushion was the solution when the Tangable Workshop was designing their beach buggy for adults. The challenge was raising and lowering full-sized adults in and out of the buggy.

The matrix web construction of the cushion allows for controlled lifting and descending, making the beach buggy even more accessible for full-sized adults.

Matrix web construction allows for specific shapes and right angles to be incorporated into the design. This ensures the pneumatic lifting force is directed in a verticle direction, eliminating the risk of damaging the structure of the buggy during the lifting process.

The final drop stitch matrix web lifting cushion worked as it was designed. When fully inflated, the passenger seat of the buggy is at the same height as the chair of a typical wheelchair, allowing the passenger the ability to slide over from the wheelchair to the beach buggy.

 

Background

COMPANY:
Tangible Workshop
LOCATION:
Queensland, Australia

Giant Inflatables Industrial, known for its expertise in the mining, power generation, construction, and defence sectors, temporarily shifted focus to assist its sister division, Giant Inflatables, with an unprecedented challenge: building the world’s tallest inflatable airdancer. Leveraging its engineering capabilities, the team designed and fabricated a 50-metre inflatable tube man, overcoming complex technical and environmental hurdles. This collaboration demonstrated Giant Inflatables Industrial’s adaptability and commitment to delivering innovative solutions beyond its traditional industrial focus.

Unique Challenge

Giant Inflatables Industrial provided technical advisory and fabrication expertise to its sister division, Giant Inflatables, to engineer a 50-metre inflatable tube man for Amber Energy’s marketing initiative in Melbourne’s CBD. The project required precision engineering and innovative materials to overcome unique challenges.

Fabric Technology from a Different Sector

The team utilised spinnaker cloth, a material renowned in professional sailing for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio to achieve the ideal balance of strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties. It was designed to endure high wind pressures and provided the durability needed to withstand continuous airflow stresses while maintaining the tube man’s dynamic motion. Its flexibility and resilience ensured stable performance and safety in Melbourne’s variable weather, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt advanced materials for innovative engineering solutions.

Custom Engineered Fan

A custom high-velocity fan was engineered and fabricated to meet the unique demands of the 50-metre inflatable tube man. Where standard fans lacked the power and precision required to maintain consistent airflow over such a large structure, engineers at Giant Inflatables Industrial designed a solution capable of generating a powerful, controlled air current that could keep the tube man fully upright, even in Melbourne’s variable wind conditions.

The fan incorporated high-strength materials to endure continuous operation and was equipped with advanced airflow stabilisation technology to prevent fluctuations that could cause instability. Its design also reduced noise, ensuring minimal disruption in the busy CBD environment. By balancing power, efficiency, and durability, the fan became a critical component of the project, ensuring the tube man performed reliably throughout the week-long campaign.

Testing occurred in Melbourne’s backcountry, where engineers assessed inflation safety, fan efficiency, and wind response. A smaller, 30-metre version was also developed for unfavourable weather scenarios.

Results

The Amberman debuted in Melbourne’s CBD, operated by Giant Inflatables’ team to ensure safe assembly and compliance with municipal regulations. The inflatable was activated during optimal renewable energy availability, symbolising Amber Energy’s commitment to sustainable practices. The week-long event, live-streamed and shared on social media, achieved widespread visibility and reinforced Amber Energy’s eco-friendly message.

Worlds tallest air dancer
The team used spinnaker cloth, a material highly regarded in professional sailing for its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, to attain an optimal blend of strength, flexibility, and lightweight characteristics.
Worlds tallest air dancer
Giant Inflatables Industrial created a high-velocity fan that produces a strong, controlled airflow, ensuring the tube man remains fully upright, even amid Melbourne’s unpredictable wind conditions.
Worlds tallest air dancer
Testing occurred in Melbourne’s backcountry, where engineers assessed inflation safety, fan efficiency, and wind response.
Worlds tallest air dancer

A closer look

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