3-in-1 Air Valve Assembly for Multi-Size Inflation and Quick Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air valves for inflatable articles have low inflation and deflation efficiency, are limited to a single inflation inlet size, and are complex and prone to damage, making them difficult to use and costly.
Innovation Solution
The air valve assembly features a dual-tube structure with a larger deflation passage and multiple inflation openings, allowing for quick inflation and deflation with various pump sizes, and a modular design with detachable components for ease of use and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional air valve structure is used, then the valve can be manufactured with a simple structure, but the inflation and deflation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple functional passages: a first passage for inflation and a second passage for deflation. This segmentation allows simultaneous or independent operation of inflation and deflation functions, improving overall efficiency without requiring a completely complex new structure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly provides multiple functions through a integrated design: it can inflate through the first passage, deflate through the second passage, and the single valve body structure serves both inflation and deflation purposes, reducing the need for separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional air valve with one inflation inlet is used, then the valve structure remains simple, but it requires one specific size/configuration of pump or air hose
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different pump sizes and configurations. The first passage and associated components are configured to work with various inflation devices, making the valve versatile without requiring multiple specialized valve designs
3Ease of operation
If a conventional air valve structure is used, then manufacturing costs remain low, but the valve is difficult to manipulate or use during inflation or deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components are designed as separable parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The valve cap, valve body, and internal components can be manipulated independently, making the valve easier to operate and maintain without requiring complex tooling or procedures
4Reliability
If a conventional air valve is used, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but it includes structures that are prone to damage, wear, jamming or other failures
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates problematic components from conventional valves. By redesigning the passage structure and removing prone-to-failure elements, the invention achieves reliable operation without requiring additional protective components that would increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes the elasticity and deformability of the valve body material to create a self-sealing mechanism. The passage cross-sectional area changes dynamically based on pressure differential, with the valve automatically sealing when pressure equalizes, eliminating the need for separate sealing components that could fail
Data Source
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AI summary
An air valve assembly for use with inflatable articles is provided. The air valve assembly includes a valve base (10), a valve body (20), an inflation adapter (30), a plug (40) and a fixing ring (50). The air valve assembly provides for inflation of the inflatable article through two different sized air passages, allowing inflation by multiple sizes of air inflation hoses or nozzles. The air valve assembly also provides for quick deflation of the inflatable article through a third and larger sized air passage. The configuration of the air valve assembly may be easily changed by hand without the need for tools, allowing for easy and efficient inflation or deflation of the inflatable article.