Diver Respiratory Valve Control Element Merging Force and Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory gas supply devices for divers, such as demand valves, face impractical and non-ergonomic challenges in quickly adjusting both the valve opening force and gas flow rate, making it difficult for users to optimize breathing comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control element that simultaneously adjusts both the valve opening force and gas flow rate by interacting with a compression spring system, allowing for a single control mechanism to modify the pre-stress of the spring and the passage section of the gas flow orifice, thereby simplifying the adjustment of breathing comfort parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control mechanisms are used for adjusting valve opening force and gas flow rate, then each parameter can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple adjustment knobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate control mechanisms (first knob for valve opening force, second knob for gas flow rate) into a single integrated control element. This control element has a first portion that interacts with the force control member and a second portion that interacts with the flow control member, allowing both parameters to be adjusted simultaneously or independently through one unified interface, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adjustable independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can adjust the valve opening force through its first portion, adjust the gas flow rate through its second portion, and potentially perform both adjustments simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated knobs for each parameter, simplifying the user interface while preserving full control capability.
2Productivity
If multiple adjustment knobs are provided for valve opening force and gas flow rate, then each parameter can be adjusted independently, but the adjustment time increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control functions into a single element, the user can adjust both valve opening force and gas flow rate in one continuous action rather than sequentially operating two separate knobs. This significantly reduces the time required to optimize breathing comfort parameters, especially in situations where quick adaptation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element is designed so that rotating it in different directions or positions simultaneously adjusts both parameters in a pre-coordinated manner. This preliminary coordination of adjustment actions allows the user to achieve optimal settings more quickly without having to make multiple sequential adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If a single control element adjusts both valve opening force and gas flow rate, then ease of operation improves, but the precision of individual parameter control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element maintains separate interaction zones: a first portion for force control and a second portion for flow control. This segmented design within the unified element allows precise independent adjustment of each parameter while presenting a simple unified interface to the user, preventing the precision loss that would result from completely merged controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control element is segmented into distinct functional portions that independently interact with different control members. The first portion engages with the force control member while the second portion engages with the flow control member, allowing each parameter to be controlled with the same precision as separate knobs would provide, while maintaining the simplicity of a single control interface.
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
This solution enables users to easily adjust breathing comfort by coupling changes in gas flow rate with corresponding adjustments in the force required to open the valve, enhancing ergonomic operation and simplifying the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring, a first end of which bears on the valve or a valve holder and the second end of which bears on a movable support
Implementation Method 2
the control element being able to cooperate mechanically directly or indirectly with the return element to modify its pre-stress, and in particular its degree of compression
Implementation Method 3
the member for controlling and adjusting the flow rate of gas admitted to the outlet orifice comprises at least one passage orifice and a movable cover capable of cooperating or not with the passage orifice to modify the passage section of the latter by occultation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The device has a pressure relief valve (5) mounted on a valve carrier (3). A compensation chamber is delimited by a movable support (31) for a compression spring (4), and a manually actionable control button (9) is rotative around an axis of a tubular body (101) that includes an opening (2). A movable cover plate (20) has a wall concentric to the body, and is integrated to the button. The button cooperates with the opening and the plate for adjusting the opening force of the valve and outlet gas flow simultaneously.