Composite Cushion Valve Assembly for Automatic Pressure Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cushion technologies, particularly those using pneumatic support, require manual adjustment of inflation and deflation, which can be cumbersome for mobility-impaired individuals and applications where automatic control over fluid volume and pressure is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a collapsible, hollow elongate member that remains open for fluid flow unless opposing mechanical forces collapse it, allowing for automatic regulation of fluid ingress and egress based on pressure differences, integrated with an inflatable body and compression members for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual valve adjustment is used for inflation and deflation control, then user control over fluid volume is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for mobility-impaired individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly automatically regulates fluid flow based on pressure differentials without requiring manual operation. The collapsible elongate member responds autonomously to pressure changes, allowing the system to self-regulate inflation and deflation, thereby improving ease of operation for mobility-impaired individuals while maintaining appropriate automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with a pressure-responsive mechanical system. The collapsible elongate member uses pressure differentials across its walls to automatically control fluid flow, substituting the need for manual valve manipulation with an autonomous pressure-based control mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If the elongate member remains open for fluid flow, then fluid ingress and egress is enabled, but pressure control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member transitions between open and collapsed states dynamically in response to pressure differentials. This dynamic behavior allows the valve to automatically regulate fluid flow and maintain pressure control precision without requiring complex active control systems, achieving precise pressure regulation through passive mechanical response to pressure 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
Enables automatic modulation of fluid volume and pressure within the inflatable body without manual intervention, ensuring consistent support and pressure distribution, particularly beneficial for mobility-impaired individuals.
Implementation Method 1
closure of the elongate member results only from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across the lateral surface of the elongate member in contrast to pressure differentials
Implementation Method 2
the elongate member is normally open, thus providing a fluid conduit between the external orifice and the distal end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.) as well as locations of the compression members (proximity to other compression members, distribution relative to the cushion geometry, etc.).