Air Bed Valve with Multi-Diameter Adapter for Pump Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbeds require valves that match the size of the air pump for inflation, limiting compatibility and flexibility in using different pump sizes.
Innovation Solution
The airbed system features a valve with an adapter ring and default ring of different diameters to accommodate both 18 mm and 31 mm pumps, along with an internal structure to maintain shape and prevent over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve size is fixed to match a specific pump size, then the connection reliability between valve and pump is improved, but the adaptability to different pump sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates multiple rings with different diameters (first ring with 31mm diameter, second ring with 18mm diameter) that can be selectively used to match different pump sizes. This allows a single valve design to serve multiple functions and accommodate various pump types without requiring separate valves for each pump size.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design allows dynamic selection of the appropriate ring based on the pump being used. The user can switch between the first ring (31mm) and second ring (18mm) depending on whether they are using a larger or smaller pump, making the valve adaptable rather than fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve includes multiple rings of different diameters to accommodate different pumps, then the adaptability to different pump sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into distinct components including the first ring, second ring, and valve body. This segmentation allows each ring to be independently sized and selected, simplifying the overall design by breaking down the adaptability function into separate, manageable parts rather than requiring a complex single-component solution.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an air valve assembly for providing flexibility for a user when inflating an inflatable air mattress. The air valve assembly can include a base configured to attach to a portion of the inflatable air mattress, a middle valve configured to attach to the base portion and having a first diameter, a diaphragm member configured to attach to the middle valve, and a cap configured to removably couple to a portion of the air valve. The assembly can further include an adapter configured to detachably attach to the middle valve portion. The adapter can have a portion with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter such that when the adapter is attached, a user may use an inflation device with a smaller dimensioned output.