Coupling Device for Gas Discharge Apparatus Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the spa industry, there is a need for a secure and hygienic method to connect a gas discharge apparatus to a liner in a foot spa basin, ensuring that the gas is effectively sealed within the liner to prevent liquid contact with the basin interior while maintaining the massage feature and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device is designed to securely attach the discharge end of a gas discharge apparatus to a gas delivery conduit of a fluid-impermeable liner, using a combination of hinged and magnetic connections to form a tubular cavity around the conduit, ensuring a fluidic seal and preventing liquid contact with the basin interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas discharge apparatus is connected to a liner in a foot spa basin, then the massage feature is provided through gas discharge into the liquid, but liquid may contact the basin interior through gaps or poor sealing at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is inserted into the gas delivery conduit, creating a nested structure where the coupling device surrounds the conduit. This nested arrangement ensures that the sealing surfaces are in direct contact with the conduit wall, preventing liquid from bypassing the seal through gaps between the coupling device and the basin interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary element between the gas discharge apparatus and the liner. It provides a sealed connection by inserting into the conduit and creating a tubular cavity that isolates the gas flow path from the liquid environment, preventing liquid contact with the basin through the connection point.
2Reliability
If a secure connection method is used to attach the gas discharge apparatus to the liner, then sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that inserts into the gas delivery conduit, a tubular cavity formed by the body, and a bottom surface that creates the sealing interface. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in the coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to be self-contained and self-assembling. The body portion automatically forms the tubular cavity when inserted into the conduit, and the bottom surface naturally creates the sealing interface without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a hinged and magnetic connection system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic elements including a hinged portion that can rotate between open and closed positions, and magnetic elements that provide automatic alignment and securing. This dynamic design allows the device to transition smoothly from assembly to operational state, improving ease of operation while the integrated nature of the components keeps the overall complexity manageable.
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 effectively seals the gas discharge apparatus within the liner, maintaining hygiene and preventing liquid contact with the basin while allowing for efficient gas transfer for massage purposes, enhancing the operational efficiency and hygiene of foot spa systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling device may include a plurality of magnetic elements distributed throughout the body portion, with some magnetic elements extending through the bottom surface of the coupling device. The magnetic elements may be used to secure the coupling device in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing a discharge end of a gas discharge apparatus inside a gas delivery conduit of a fluid impermeable liner covering a liquid-receiving basin features a first portion configured to be supported on the basin so as to engage an outer face of the liner which normally engages the basin and a second portion of the device configured to be movable relative to the first portion to selectively engage an inner face of the liner in opposite relation to the first portion in a working position. The inner face of the liner delimits the interior of the liner-covered basin. The first and second portions are configured to cooperatively form a generally tubular cavity substantially encompassing the gas delivery conduit in the working position, to clamp the gas delivery conduit over the discharge end of the gas discharge apparatus to substantially form a fluidic seal therebetween.