Improved air bed valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbeds require valves that match the size of the air pump for inflation, limiting compatibility and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An air valve assembly with interchangeable adapter rings and diaphragms that accommodate pumps of different sizes, along with an internal structure to maintain shape and prevent over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve size is fixed to match a specific pump size, then the inflation process is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different pump sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into multiple detachable components: a base valve body, interchangeable adapter rings with different diameters, and a diaphragm. This segmentation allows users to select and attach the appropriate adapter ring for different pump sizes without changing the entire valve structure, thereby improving adaptability while keeping each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The base valve body is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple pump sizes through the attachment of different adapter rings. The same base structure serves multiple functions by accommodating various adapter rings, which enables compatibility with different pump diameters without requiring multiple specialized valve designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter rings are provided for different pump sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter rings are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with smaller adapter rings fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement allows multiple adapter rings to be stored compactly within the valve assembly, reducing the space required and making the system more manageable despite having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base valve body acts as an intermediary component that mediates between different pump sizes and the airbed. By providing a standardized interface with interchangeable adapter rings, the base valve body enables compatibility with various pumps without requiring direct customization between each pump and the airbed valve.
3Productivity
If the valve allows rapid inflation with large pumps, then the productivity increases, but the risk of over-inflation and loss of shape control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm serves as a feedback mechanism that responds to the internal pressure of the airbed. As the airbed approaches its optimal inflation level, the increasing internal pressure causes the diaphragm to deform and eventually seal against the valve opening, automatically stopping the inflation process. This prevents over-inflation and maintains proper shape control while allowing rapid inflation with large pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs self-regulation of the inflation process through the diaphragm's automatic sealing action. Once the airbed reaches sufficient pressure, the system self-regulates by closing the valve without requiring external intervention or monitoring, thereby preventing over-inflation while maintaining high productivity during the inflation phase.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an air valve assembly for providing flexibility for a user when inflating an inflatable air mattress. The air valve assembly can include a base configured to attach to a portion of the inflatable air mattress, a middle valve configured to attach to the base portion and having a first diameter, a diaphragm member configured to attach to the middle valve, and a cap configured to removably couple to a portion of the air valve. The assembly can further include an adapter configured to detachably attach to the middle valve portion. The adapter can have a portion with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter such that when the adapter is attached, a user may use an inflation device with a smaller dimensioned output.