Air Bed Valve with Adapter Ring for Multi-Diameter 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 air pumps, along with an internal structure to maintain shape and prevent over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve size is fixed to match a specific air pump size, then the connection compatibility with that pump is ensured, but the adaptability to use different pump sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple detachable components: a base valve body, an adapter ring with external threads, and an adapter cap with internal threads. This segmentation allows different adapter rings to be attached to the same base valve body to accommodate different pump sizes (18mm, 24mm, 31mm), providing versatility without redesigning the entire valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The base valve body is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple types of adapter rings. The standardized threading and connection mechanism allow a single base valve to support various pump sizes through interchangeable adapters, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility across different pump models.
2Device complexity
If the valve structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the manufacturing and assembly are easier, but the ability to accommodate multiple pump sizes through adapters is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system incorporates dynamic adaptability through removable and interchangeable adapter rings. Users can dynamically change the adapter configuration based on the pump being used, allowing the valve to adapt its functionality without permanent modifications or complex multi-integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring acts as an intermediary component between the base valve body and the air pump. It mediates the connection between different threading standards and valve interfaces, enabling compatibility without requiring the base valve to directly accommodate multiple pump types through complex internal structures.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter ring is made removable for easy storage, then the portability and storage convenience are improved, but the connection stability and sealing reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring includes pre-formed sealing surfaces and gasket interfaces that ensure proper sealing before connection is made. The threading geometry is designed to automatically compress sealing elements upon engagement, ensuring reliable sealing is established in advance of actual use, maintaining integrity despite the removable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring design replicates standardized threading patterns and connection geometries that are proven to provide reliable sealing. By copying established connection standards, the adapter ensures compatibility and sealing reliability while maintaining the ability to be removed and stored.
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.