Deflation Valve for Compression Bag
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflation valves for compression bags face issues with complex configurations, require separate tools for operation, and have difficulties in quick deflation due to time differences in valve operation and high component counts, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A deflation valve design featuring a base member with a cylindrical inner portion and a lid member with elastic valve members, where the lid member includes air passage portions for easy manual operation and a simplified structure, allowing for quick deflation without tools and ensuring secure sealing through dual closing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing means is used in the deflation valve, then the valve body can be biased to maintain sealing, but the operation becomes slower and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing means (spring) from the valve structure, extracting the component that caused complexity. The valve body is designed to be drawn open by negative pressure without any biasing element, reducing the number of parts while maintaining sealing through the valve body's own elasticity and the packing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves itself by using its own elastic properties to return to the closed position after being drawn open by negative pressure. The packing material also self-regulates by deforming to maintain sealing, eliminating the need for separate biasing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a biasing means is used in the deflation valve, then the valve can maintain sealing state, but the deflation speed decreases due to time difference in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means is completely removed from the system, allowing the valve body to respond immediately to negative pressure without the delay of spring compression and decompression cycles. This extraction enables faster deflation while maintaining sealing through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be drawn open quickly by negative pressure and return to the closed position through its own elastic recovery. This dynamic design enables rapid response to pressure changes, improving deflation speed while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the deflation valve, then the sealing can be maintained, but the structure becomes complex and operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body, lid member, and packing material into an integrated structure where the lid member is attached to the base member and the valve body is positioned within this integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining sealing through the coordinated interaction of the integrated parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member serves multiple functions: it seals the opening, provides a surface for finger engagement, and works with the valve body to control airflow. The base member also serves multiple functions including structural support, sealing surface provision, and guiding valve body movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
4Ease of operation
If the lid member is made larger for easy gripping, then manual operation is easier, but the vacuum cleaner suction port cannot contact the base member effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper gripping portion with a larger diameter for easy finger engagement, and a lower portion that transitions to a smaller diameter to allow vacuum cleaner nozzle contact with the base member. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lid member have different local qualities: the upper portion has a larger diameter for gripping comfort, while the lower portion has a smaller diameter for vacuum cleaner compatibility. This local differentiation allows the single lid member to satisfy both ergonomic and functional requirements.
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 enables easy and efficient deflation of compression bags by simplifying the valve structure, allowing manual operation without tools and ensuring strong sealing through dual closing surfaces, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member (4) made of an elastic material and provided on a lower surface of the top plate portion (31)
Implementation Method 2
when suction of the deflation port via the lid member is performed on the upper surface of the base member, valve opening for detaching the valve member from the deflation port by upwardly displacing the lid member is performed
Data Source
AI summary
A deflation valve for use with a compression bag includes a base member and a lid member attached to the base member. The base member includes a deflation port and an inner cylindrical portion. The lid member includes a valve member and an outer cylindrical portion surrounding the valve member. The outer cylindrical portion includes an air passage portion and is arranged outwardly of the inner cylindrical portion. Suction of the deflation port causes an upward movement of the lid member to open the deflation port, imparting a negative pressure to the compression bag via the air passage portion and the deflation port. Stopping of the suction causes a downward movement of the lid member due to the negative pressure to close the deflation port with the valve member. The air passage portion serves as a finger hooking portion when opening the deflation port.