Detachable Ball Inflation Device with Integrated Non-Return Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inflating and deflating balls require the use of an air pump and needle, making it inconvenient to manage air pressure, especially for carrying and storage, as they necessitate time-consuming inflation and deflation processes.
Innovation Solution
A detachable ball inflation and deflation device integrated into the ball's cavity, featuring an air inflation unit, a one-way non-return valve, and a reinforcement sleeve, allowing for direct inflation and deflation without tools, with components that can be replaced and maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air pump and inflation needle are used to inflate the ball, then the ball can be inflated to sufficient air pressure, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air pump and needle functions into a single integrated inflation device that attaches directly to the ball. The device combines the air inlet, valve mechanism, and connection interface into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing the number of steps required for inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation device is designed to be self-contained with an integrated air source or connection mechanism that allows the user to inflate the ball without requiring external equipment. The device attaches directly to the ball and provides both the air supply and the sealing mechanism in one unit.
2Ease of operation
If a ball needle is used to deflate the ball, then air can be exhausted from the ball, but the process requires additional tools and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inflation and deflation functions into a single integrated device. The same device that inflates the ball also contains the deflation mechanism, allowing users to switch between inflation and deflation modes without changing tools or requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an inflation device and a deflation device. The device includes mechanisms that can both introduce air into the ball and exhaust air from the ball, making it a universal tool for air management.
3Reliability
If separate inflation and deflation tools are used, then air management can be achieved, but multiple tools need to be carried and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (inflation pump, inflation needle, deflation needle) into a single integrated device. This consolidation maintains all necessary air management functions while reducing the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured, stored, and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal air management tool that can perform multiple functions (inflation, deflation, and potentially pressure regulation) through a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
4Ease of operation
If the ball structure is modified to accommodate built-in inflation/deflation devices, then tool-free operation is achieved, but the ball appearance and structure change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inflation and deflation devices to be nested within or integrated into the ball structure. The devices are positioned in cavities or compartments within the ball, allowing them to be accessible for operation while remaining concealed when not in use, thus preserving the ball's appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies only specific local areas of the ball structure to accommodate the devices, rather than changing the overall ball design. The modifications are confined to small regions where access points or device housings are located, maintaining the ball's general appearance and characteristics.
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 convenient, tool-free air management for balls, facilitating immediate play and storage by integrating inflation and deflation functions directly into the ball's design, enhancing user convenience and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is biased by an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable ball inflation and deflation device is disposed in a cavity of a ball. The device includes an air inflation unit, a non-return unit, and a reinforcement sleeve. By applying a force to press the air inflation unit repeatedly, the air outside the ball passes the non-return unit to enter the inside of the ball so as to inflate the ball, and the air filled into the ball won't deflate. The device has the function to deflate the ball in a quick way. When the air inflation unit is pulled out of a portion of the ball, the air inside the ball can be deflated quickly, so that the ball can be carried and stored conveniently.