Bite Valve Retainer With Pivotable Magnetic Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydration packs fail to provide adequate accessibility and retention of the bite valve and tube during strenuous activities, leading to interference and distraction due to unsecured components.

Innovation Solution

A bite valve retention system with a pivotable retention element and magnetic coupling mechanism that securely attaches to the hydration pack straps, allowing 360-degree movement to counteract forces and maintain access to the bite valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bite valve and tube are left unsecured during physical activity, then the user can move freely without restriction, but the bite valve and tube interfere with movement and cause distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidinterference and distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system divides the bite valve assembly into separable components: a retention element with coupling mechanism that can attach to and detach from the bite valve. This allows the bite valve to be secured when needed and easily removed when not needed, resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and interference prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can be quickly attached to and detached from the bite valve based on activity needs. The magnetic coupling mechanism enables dynamic engagement and disengagement, allowing the user to secure the bite valve during activities requiring stability and release it during activities requiring freedom of movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the bite valve is securely retained during strenuous activities, then interference and distraction are prevented, but accessibility and ease of access to the bite valve are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference preventionVSAvoidbite valve accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical fastening system (buckles, clips, or screws) is replaced with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The magnetic attraction provides secure retention during strenuous activities while allowing easy attachment and detachment through simple proximity-based coupling, maintaining accessibility while preventing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system enables dynamic adjustment between secured and accessible states. The magnetic coupling allows the bite valve to be quickly attached to the retention element for secure retention during activities, and easily detached when accessibility is needed, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a traditional fixed retention system is used for the bite valve, then the bite valve is securely held in position, but the system cannot accommodate movement and tension forces during physical activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebite valve retentionVSAvoidaccommodation of movement and tension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element is designed with dynamic flexibility to accommodate movement and tension forces. The magnetic coupling mechanism maintains reliable retention while allowing the assembly to move and flex with the user's body during physical activity, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and movement accommodation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling strength and retention characteristics can be adjusted by changing parameters such as magnet size, material properties, and spacing. This allows the system to maintain reliable retention under varying tension and movement conditions, adapting to different physical activities while preventing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system ensures quick and easy access to the bite valve while securely retaining it during physical activities, preventing interference and distraction by accommodating movement and tension forces.

Implementation Method 1

the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism are magnets configured to couple and decouple from one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11284700B2Bite valve retainer

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 TSI MFG

AI summary

A bite valve retention system can comprise a base comprising a pivot portion and one or more side portions, wherein the one or more side portions are configured to receive a portion of a strap; and a retention element comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base such that the retention element pivots around an axis perpendicular to the pivot portion, and the second portion comprises a first coupling mechanism and extends from the first portion along an outer surface of the base; wherein the first coupling mechanism is configured to allow the retention element to couple and decouple from a second coupling mechanism disposed on an outer surface of a bite valve.