Bypass Conduit Valve With Hinged Inner Frame for Secure Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves for respiratory bypass conduits face assembly challenges due to a U-shaped central rigid member that is inflexible and prone to unsealing under air pressure, causing the flexible outer member to pull inwardly or outwardly.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring a rigid inner frame with a hinge and arm member, combined with a flexible outer seal that secures over the inner frame, allowing for pivoting and maintaining a sealed position within the bypass conduit, utilizing cross-members and guiding flanges for stability and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a U-shaped rigid member is used in the valve, then the valve provides structural support, but it is difficult to assemble when the flexible outer member is slid on

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid member is segmented into multiple straight sections connected by flexible joints, transforming the previously monolithic U-shaped structure into a modular assembly that can be more easily constructed and maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid member incorporates flexible joints that allow controlled movement, enabling the structure to adapt during assembly and operation while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a U-shaped rigid member is used in the valve, then the valve provides structural support, but it does not flex at all, causing the flexible outer member to pull inwardly or outwardly under air pressure which can unseal the valve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid member is transformed into a dynamic structure with flexible joints that allow controlled movement, enabling the structure to flex in response to air pressure changes while maintaining structural support and preventing unsealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexibility parameter of the rigid member is changed by incorporating flexible joints, allowing the structure to transition from completely rigid to having controlled flexibility that adapts to operational conditions

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 solution ensures secure sealing and flexibility, preventing unsealing under air pressure, allowing for effective airflow direction change within the bypass conduit while maintaining a sealed connection.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge configured to allow the valve to pivot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a flexible outer seal positioned over the rigid inner frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11835144B2Valve for bypass conduit

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SMART RS

AI summary

A valve for a bypass conduit is comprised of a rigid inner frame having an arm with a tab at one end and a hinge at an opposite end. A flexible outer seal is positioned over the inner frame, the flexible outer seal defining a peripheral edge to substantially house the tab and arm of the inner frame. The valve is pivotable from a first position to a second position on the bypass conduit.