Collapsible Air Bladder with One-Way Valves for Controlled Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement devices lack the ability to efficiently collect and expel air/gas, as they either rely on compressed air canisters or inflatable pouches that do not allow for controlled collection and release of air.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible air bladder with one-way valves for air collection and expulsion, integrated with a shallow dish member for air collection and a simple, inexpensive construction, allowing for controlled air collection and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a compressed air canister is used, then air can be expelled, but the device cannot collect and control air filling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair collection and control capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional components: a collapsible bladder for air storage, one-way valves for controlled air flow, and a shallow-dish member for air collection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The one-way valves automatically control air flow direction based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms. The collapsible bladder self-expands when air is expelled and can be manually refilled, creating a self-service system that is both versatile and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If an inflatable pouch is used, then air can be stored, but controlled collection and release of air is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled air releaseVSAvoidvalve mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

One-way valves serve as intermediaries that automatically regulate air flow between the bladder and external environment. These simple mechanical components enable controlled air release without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems, maintaining ease of operation while limiting device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a complex air collection system is designed, then air collection efficiency improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair collection efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses simple, inexpensive components such as a basic collapsible bladder and standard one-way valves that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The shallow-dish member is a simple rigid structure requiring minimal processing. This approach achieves adequate air collection efficiency while keeping manufacturing costs low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible bladder is constructed from flexible material that can be easily molded into shape, allowing efficient air collection and storage without requiring complex rigid structures. This flexible shell approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables efficient and controlled collection and expulsion of air, allowing users to fill and release air as needed, with a device that is easy to produce and use.

Implementation Method 1

A first one-way valve is disposed across the first opening and configured to permit the flow of air into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

The bladder being biased against collapse such that the bladder is expanded until being squeezed and such that the bladder once again expands when no longer being squeezed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

air disposed within the enclosed interior volume is expelled from the enclosed interior volume through the second opening upon squeezing the bladder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8490830B2Air collecting and expelling amusement device

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 COLE TRENT R

AI summary

An amusement device for collecting and storing a quantity of air/gas from a selected source and expelling the stored air/gas as desired includes a collapsible bladder having an enclosed interior volume. The bladder being biased against collapse such that the bladder is expanded until being squeezed and such that the bladder once again expands when no longer being squeezed. The bladder including first and second openings into the enclosed interior volume. A first one-way valve is disposed across the first opening and configured to permit the flow of air into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening. A second one-way valve is disposed across second opening and configured to permit the flow of air out of the enclosed interior volume through the second opening. The device further includes a shallow dish member having an air collection space, wherein air that is disposed within the enclosed interior volume is expelled from the enclosed interior volume through the second opening upon squeezing the bladder and air disposed within the air collection space is drawn into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening upon expansion of the bladder.