Compact check valve assembly for self-inflating mattress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-inflating bed designs are unwieldy and time-consuming for firmness adjustments, and existing stowable beds lack comfort, warmth, stability, adjustability, and durability, necessitating an improved compact check valve design for easy firmness control and reduced storage volume.
Innovation Solution
A compact check valve assembly with a manually adjustable design, including a valve body, preload guide insert, preload knob, plunger, compression spring, and umbrella valve, allowing for fluid flow control and firmness adjustment through a preload selector knob with multiple set-points, enabling easy adjustment of mattress firmness from soft to firm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple open/close valve design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for firmness adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates an adjustable preload mechanism that allows the user to dynamically change the force required to open the valve, thereby adjusting the firmness of the mattress. The preload selector knob enables multiple set-points (soft, medium, firm) by adjusting the spring preload on the diaphragm, transforming a static valve into a dynamically adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design changes the physical parameter of spring preload force to control valve opening pressure. By adjusting the preload on the compression spring, the system modifies the pressure threshold required to open the valve, enabling firmness adjustment without changing the basic valve structure.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact valve design is used, then the storage volume is reduced, but the ease of operation for firmness adjustment may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components are nested within each other to achieve compact dimensions. The diaphragm is positioned within the valve body cavity, the spring is contained within the plunger assembly, and the preload selector knob integrates with the existing valve structure. This nesting allows the valve to fit within a 3-inch diameter cylinder while maintaining full adjustability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The preload selector knob serves multiple functions: it adjusts the spring preload to control firmness, it provides a user interface for selection, and it integrates with the existing valve mounting structure. The valve body simultaneously serves as both the structural housing and the mounting interface for the mattress, reducing the need for additional components.
3Ease of operation
If manually adjustable check valve is added, then the ease of operation for firmness control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a check valve mechanism that automatically prevents backflow of air from the mattress into the valve assembly. The diaphragm and spring system self-regulates to maintain the selected preload setting, and the umbrella valve provides automatic one-way flow control without requiring additional actuators or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the check valve function, the adjustable preload mechanism, and the flow control function into a single integrated assembly. The diaphragm serves both as the flow control element and the preload sensing element, while the spring provides both the restoring force and the adjustable preload mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components compared to using distinct check valve and adjustment valve assemblies.
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 compact check valve assembly allows for easy adjustment of mattress firmness, reduces storage volume, and enhances user comfort, making it suitable for shipment and use in various bed sizes, while maintaining compactness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned above the plunger and in engagement with the lower end of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The amount of force applied by the compression spring on the plunger is adjustable... allowing the force applied by the compression spring on the plunger to be adjusted between an amount sufficient to close the umbrella valve and an amount sufficient to open the umbrella valve
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable compact check valve for a pneumatic self-inflating mattress. The compact check valve includes a preload selector which is adjustable to user selected settings, each of which will vary the load on a preload compression spring, to thereby vary the pressure at which the check valve opens. Such adjustment allows a user to vary the firmness of a self-inflating mattress to which the compact check valve is affixed. The compact check valve also has a fully closed position, where air cannot enter or leave the self-inflating mattress, and a fully open position, where air can enter the self-inflating mattress to allow it to fully inflate, or where a user can compress the mattress for storage, by expelling air from the self-inflating mattress. Once air has been expelled from the mattress, the compact check valve may be closed, to prevent inflation of the mattress.