paineilmapussi

Paineilmapussi, known in English as a pneumatic bag, is a flexible air-filled container designed to obtain cushioning, stabilization, or lifting force by introducing compressed air. The bag is typically a bladder of rubber or elastomer with textile reinforcement, enclosed in a protective shell. It is fitted with one or more inflation valves and may be single-chamber or multi-chamber to control shape and stiffness. The bag is connected to a compressed-air source through regulators and safety devices such as relief valves to prevent overinflation.

Paineilmapussit are used across industries for cushioning fragile items in packaging, stabilizing irregular loads during transport, and in construction or industrial settings as lifting or jacking bags. In soft robotics and rehabilitation devices, inflatable bags act as actuators or supports, converting air pressure into controlled deformation. Medical and emergency equipment may employ them to immobilize or position body parts safely, while naval, aerospace and automotive applications use them for vibration damping or load distribution.

Operation requires careful control of pressure, monitoring for leaks, and regular inspection of seals and fabric. Overextended pressure can damage the bag or the surrounding structure, while punctures risk rapid deflation. When used for lifting, bags should be placed on a stable base and never used as sole support without secondary restraints.

The term paineilmapussi reflects the Finnish words for compressed air and bag and is commonly translated as pneumatic bag in international technical literature.