Air Admittance Valve Membrane Assembly for Low-Wear Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air admittance valves suffer from mechanical wear and tear due to frictional forces, leading to failure in operating under fluctuating pressure differentials, necessitating frequent repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible tensioned membrane over-molded onto a structurally rigid support ring with radially extending lugs, which reduces frictional forces by minimizing mechanical parts and ensures consistent sealing performance over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slidable carrier member is used to guide the tension sealing membrane, then the valve can selectively seal and open, but frictional resistance increases and mechanical wear occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slidable carrier member from the valve assembly, eliminating the source of frictional resistance and mechanical wear. The tension sealing membrane is directly mounted to the valve body without intermediate guiding components, thereby extracting the harmful frictional interface while preserving the sealing function through direct membrane-to-seat contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding guidance system with a direct membrane deformation mechanism. Instead of using mechanical parts that slide and wear, the system relies on the elastic deformation of the tension sealing membrane itself to achieve selective sealing and opening, substituting a wear-prone mechanical system with a wear-free elastic response.
2Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical parts are used to guide the sealing membrane, then the valve can control airflow direction, but the number of moving parts increases leading to more wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unnecessary mechanical guiding parts from the valve assembly, retaining only the essential tension sealing membrane and valve seat components. This reduction in parts simplifies the device while maintaining airflow control capability through the membrane's pressure-responsive deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components into a single integrated tension sealing membrane assembly. The membrane combines sealing, guiding, and actuating functions that were previously distributed across multiple mechanical parts, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving operational capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If sliding surfaces are used for mechanical translation, then the valve can move the sealing membrane, but the surfaces become worn and roughened over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the sliding mechanical translation system with a direct elastic deformation mechanism. The tension sealing membrane responds to pressure differentials through elastic expansion and contraction, eliminating contact between sliding surfaces and preventing the wear and roughening that would otherwise occur over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible tension sealing membrane as the primary actuating element, utilizing the elastic properties of a thin film to achieve sealing and opening actions. This flexible membrane approach replaces rigid sliding surfaces, preventing wear accumulation and maintaining surface integrity throughout the valve's operational life.
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
The solution reduces wear and tear, enabling the air admittance valve to function properly for longer periods without the need for frequent repairs or replacements, maintaining consistent operation under varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tensioned membrane (e.g., a diaphragm) that is over-molded onto a reinforcing, structurally rigid support ring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air admittance valve (AAV) that operates automatically at low pressures to selectively open and close an air passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The AAV comprises a valve body having a centrally disposed, internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment, and having a valve seat. The AAV includes a sealing member having a flexible diaphragm that is fastened to a support ring, the ring defining one or more lugs on an outer periphery thereof. The AAV further includes a cap member within which the sealing member may be disposed, such that the one or more lugs may interact with an interior surface of the cap. The sealing member may selectively seal or unseal from the valve seat in response to pressure differentials between the inlet and the outlet.