Hyperbaric Chamber Seal Flap for Airtight Zipper Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperbaric chambers suffer from airtight seals that are not completely sealed, leading to air leaks and degradation over time, particularly at the zipper entries.
Innovation Solution
A portable hyperbaric chamber with a seal assembly comprising a flexible seal panel and a replaceable seal flap made of neoprene or rubber, which forms an airtight seal by pressing against the chamber wall and closure mechanisms, ensuring easy ingress and egress without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a zipper is used to seal the chamber entry, then ease of operation for ingress and egress is improved, but airtightness deteriorates due to air leaks and wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
A seal flap made of flexible material (neoprene or rubber) is introduced as an intermediary element between the zipper and the chamber interior. The seal flap includes a free edge that extends into the chamber to block air leaks past the zipper teeth, while the zipper remains accessible for opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal flap is constructed from flexible material (neoprene or rubber) that can bend and conform to the chamber opening. This flexibility allows the seal flap to maintain contact with the zipper and block air leaks while accommodating the movement of the zipper during opening and closing operations.
2Reliability
If a seal flap is added to improve airtightness, then airtightness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal flap is integrated with the zipper assembly such that the zipper is attached to one surface of the seal flap. This merging of components creates a unified sealing mechanism where the seal flap serves both as the primary seal and as the substrate for the zipper, rather than adding a completely separate component.
3Reliability
If the seal flap extends into the chamber to block air leaks, then airtightness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with ingress and egress
Solution Approach 1:
The seal flap is designed with a free edge that can dynamically adjust its position. When the zipper is closed, the free edge extends into the chamber to block air leaks. When the zipper is opened, the free edge can be pulled aside or repositioned to allow easy ingress and egress, then returns to its sealing position when closed.
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 provides an airtight seal that maintains chamber pressure integrity, reducing air leaks and extending the lifespan of the seal by distributing stress on the zipper mechanisms, allowing easy operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the seal assembly is positioned about the chamber opening to seal the chamber opening when the chamber is pressurized
Implementation Method 2
a replaceable seal flap made of neoprene or rubber, which forms an airtight seal by pressing against the chamber wall and closure mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable chamber has a chamber wall, sealing panel, and seal flap. A chamber zipper is formed in the chamber wall, and a panel zipper is formed in the panel. The panel has a panel perimeter that is sealed to said chamber wall about the chamber zipper in an airtight manner to form a pocket between the chamber wall and the panel. The seal flap is positioned in the pocket to provide an airtight seal at the chamber zipper.