Adjustable Differential Air Pressure Chamber for Diverse User Sizes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current differential air pressure systems are inadequate for therapeutic and physical training applications, as they fail to provide effective counteraction of gravitational forces and do not accommodate a wide range of user sizes and movements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable differential air pressure systems with user seals that can accommodate various body sizes and allow for rotational and translational movements, featuring adjustable orifices, rotational seals, and height-adjustable structures to ensure a secure and comfortable user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size chamber is used in differential air pressure systems, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users of diverse sizes and body types
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber incorporates adjustable components including height-adjustable support structures and expandable/collapsible side walls that can be modified to accommodate users of different sizes. The chamber volume and internal dimensions can be dynamically changed based on user requirements, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is divided into modular sections with independent adjustment capabilities. The support structures are segmented into adjustable height elements, and the side walls are designed as separate expandable components, allowing each section to be independently configured for different user sizes.
2Ease of operation
If a rigid seal is used to maintain differential pressure, then pressure stability is improved, but user movement and rotation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The seal incorporates flexible materials that can deform to accommodate user movement and rotation while maintaining the pressure differential. The flexible seal allows dynamic adjustment of the seal-gas interface, enabling motion without compromising pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible one that can adapt its shape and position in response to user movement, maintaining the pressure differential through continuous adjustment rather than rigid constraint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chamber volume is increased to accommodate larger users, then adaptability improves, but the weight and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber uses modular, segmented construction with collapsible side walls and adjustable support structures, allowing the chamber volume to be expanded only when needed for larger users. The chamber can be configured in different volume states, avoiding the need for a permanently large heavy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber volume is made dynamically adjustable through expandable side walls and height-adjustable supports, enabling the chamber to change its effective size based on user requirements rather than being fixed at a maximum size that would increase overall weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed orifices are used in the seal, then manufacturing is simpler, but the seal cannot accommodate varying user body dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The orifices are designed as adjustable rather than fixed, allowing their size to be dynamically changed to match different user body dimensions. This enables the seal to accommodate a wide range of user sizes while maintaining an effective seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable orifice design allows a single seal structure to serve multiple users of different sizes and body types, making the seal universally applicable rather than requiring size-specific seals for different user populations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These systems effectively counteract gravitational forces, accommodate diverse user sizes, and enhance movement capabilities, providing a more comfortable and effective therapeutic and training experience.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure in the chamber can be changed to adjust force on the user's body
Implementation Method 2
Gravity produces forces on the body. Methods of counteracting these forces have been devised
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems and components for differential air pressure systems. The air pressure systems include a chamber for receiving at least a portion of a user's body. Pressure in the chamber can be changed to adjust force on the user's body. Described herein are various methods and related structures for sealing a user into a pressurizable chamber. Also described herein are various methods and related structures for changing the shape and/or height of the chamber. Described herein are various types and configurations of chambers and support structures for chambers. Also described herein are various methods and related systems for treating various conditions using the differential air pressure systems, including but not limited to obesity, cardiac disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or Down Syndrome.