Inflatable Valve Diaphragm Friction Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve devices for inflatable articles are inconvenient for deflation due to the diaphragm disengaging from the retaining flanges under deflation force, requiring repeated depression to maintain the valve open.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a tubular member, flexible diaphragm, and positioning member where the diaphragm is secured to the valve seat and can be deflected by the positioning member to maintain the valve open during deflation, using a frictional engagement mechanism to counteract the biasing force and keep the peripheral region in a deflected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible diaphragm is retained by retaining flanges at a small portion near the connecting surrounding portion, then the valve can be kept open for deflation, but the diaphragm is likely to disengage from the retaining flanges under large deflating force, requiring repeated depression operations
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is divided into three distinct regions: a central region, an intermediate surrounding region, and a peripheral region. This segmentation allows each region to serve a specific function - the intermediate region acts as a flexible connection zone that can be selectively engaged by the positioning member, while the peripheral region maintains sealing contact with the valve seat, preventing disengagement under deflating force
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate surrounding region serves as an intermediary element between the central region and the peripheral region. This intermediate zone engages with the positioning member's contact surface, providing a stable frictional engagement point that prevents the diaphragm from disengaging while still allowing controlled deflection for valve opening
2Ease of operation
If the diaphragm is made flexible to deflect from the valve seat for deflation, then the valve can be opened, but the diaphragm may not remain steadily deflected, requiring repeated manual depression
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member changes the engagement parameter from a simple mechanical latch to a friction-based engagement. By utilizing friction between the contact surface and the intermediate surrounding region, the system can maintain a stable deflected position without requiring complex mechanical retention mechanisms, allowing the valve to remain steadily open during deflation
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
Facilitates steady deflation of inflatable articles by maintaining the valve seat in an open state, reducing the need for repeated manual operation and ensuring consistent fluid communication between the inflatable chamber and the inflating port.
Implementation Method 1
the engaging end is kept in frictional engagement with the intermediate surrounding region, and is moved to be remote from the valve seat so as to place the corresponding portion of the peripheral region in a deflected position
Implementation Method 2
vesting the flexed portion of the intermediate surrounding region with an increment of biasing force to urge the engaging end to move towards the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes a tubular member fitted into an inflatable article, a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral region which engages a valve seat of the tubular member through a mounting support and an intermediate surrounding region which has a portion that can be flexed to deflect a corresponding portion of the peripheral region from the valve seat, and a positioning member which is actuated to be displaced between normally-closed and deflating positions so as to bring an engaging end thereof to be proximate to or distal from the valve seat. In the deflating position, the flexed portion is vested with an increment of biasing force that is counteracted by a resisting force at an actuated end so as to keep the peripheral portion in a deflected position for maintaining the valve device in an open state.