Inflatable Tent Support with Detachable Valve Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices with inflatable support elements are complex to handle and not cost-effective, particularly in terms of assembly and disassembly, due to intricate connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connecting device with a valve system that allows easy connection and disconnection of inflatable support elements, featuring a movable valve body, spring, and clamping means, enabling simultaneous inflation of multiple pressure chambers through a single connection port, facilitating modular assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable support elements are connected by complex connection mechanisms, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into a first connection part integrated with the first support element and a second connection part integrated with the second support element. This segmentation allows each part to be independently designed and optimized, simplifying the overall connection mechanism while maintaining reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between support elements. It includes a valve mechanism that controls the inflation medium flow, providing a reliable connection interface without requiring complex coupling mechanisms. The valve body with movable closure element serves as the mediating structure that ensures secure connection while remaining simple in design.
2Reliability
If multiple support elements are connected individually, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support elements are connected in series through a continuous inflation medium pathway. The first support element, second support element, and additional elements are merged into a single inflatable structure by connecting their connection ports sequentially. This allows all elements to be inflated simultaneously through a single inflation source, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable connections between elements.
3Ease of operation
If a valve mechanism is added to control inflation, then inflation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism integrated into the connection device serves multiple functions: it controls the inflation medium flow, seals the connection port when not in use, and provides a standardized interface for connecting support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically seal when the connection port is not in use, eliminating the need for separate cap or cover components. The movable closure element self-actuates to seal the port, providing automatic protection against contamination and maintaining readiness for the next connection without requiring additional manual operations.
4Ease of operation
If support elements are made detachable for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ports are pre-integrated into the support elements during manufacturing, with valve mechanisms already in place. This preliminary integration ensures that the detachable connection maintains the same reliability as permanent connections, while still allowing easy assembly and disassembly. The standardized interfaces are pre-configured to ensure proper alignment and secure coupling.
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 simplifies handling and reduces production costs by allowing easy assembly and disassembly of the support device, enabling efficient inflation of multiple support elements through a single connection, making the device more user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (12) which presses the valve body (11) against the valve seat (13)
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable first support element (2) with a flexible wall forming a first pressure chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective device with a membrane and a support device (1) for the membrane, wherein the support device (1) comprises an inflatable first support element (2) with a flexible wall forming a first pressure chamber, wherein the first support element (2) has a first connection port (3) with a first connection opening, wherein the support device (1) comprises an inflatable second support element (2') with a flexible wall forming a second pressure chamber, wherein the second support element (2') has a second connection port (3') with a second connection opening, and wherein a connection device (5) is provided for connecting the first connection port (3) to the second connection port (3').wherein the connecting device (5) has a first connecting part (6) for connection to the first connecting port (3) and a second connecting part (7) for connection to the second connecting port (3'). The protective device is characterized in that means are provided for detachably connecting the first and second connecting parts to one another. The invention further relates to a connecting device for a protective device as described above.