Inflatable Vent Seal Using Hook-and-Loop for High Pressure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seals for inflatable structures, such as zipper and screw cap mechanisms, are prone to leakage at higher pressures and can become lost or deformed during storage or transit, making them unsuitable for efficient use and handling.

Innovation Solution

A vent seal utilizing hook and loop fastener material on both inner and outer components and the inflatable structure, ensuring secure closure and resistance to air leakage at higher pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If zipper mechanisms are used for vent seals, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to air leakage at higher pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidresistance to air leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vent seal is divided into two separate components: an inner component attached to the interior surface and an outer component attached to the exterior surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of operation and reliable sealing at higher pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook and loop fastener material provides a sealing force greater than necessary for simple closure. This excessive action ensures that the seal remains reliably closed even under higher air pressures, preventing the leakage that occurs with zipper mechanisms while still allowing easy opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If screw cap mechanisms are used for vent seals, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and components can be lost or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to air leakageVSAvoidease of opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vent seal is divided into two separate components: an inner component attached to the interior surface and an outer component attached to the exterior surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of operation and reliable sealing at higher pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer component is designed as a simple, lightweight element that can be easily replaced if lost or damaged during storage or transit. This approach prioritizes ease of operation and reliability over long-term durability of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If higher air pressures are used in inflatable structures, then productivity is improved by reducing size, but reliability deteriorates due to increased leakage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness for storage and transportVSAvoidresistance to air leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook and loop fastener material provides a sealing force greater than necessary for simple closure. This excessive action ensures that the seal remains reliably closed even under higher air pressures, preventing the leakage that occurs with zipper mechanisms while still allowing easy opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The vent seal combines two different fastening surfaces (hook and loop materials) that work together to create a composite sealing system. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength to resist higher pressures and the simplicity needed for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 vent seal effectively maintains higher pressures within inflatable structures, preventing leakage and minimizing the risk of deformation or loss, facilitating easier handling and storage.

Implementation Method 1

the outer surface of the inner component, and the outer surface of the inflatable structure around the area of the vent opening include hook and loop fastener material arranged such that the inner component, outer component, and material of the inflatable structure are fastened together when the seal is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8192245B2Vent seal for inflatable devices

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 DEUTSCH INC

AI summary

A seal for vent openings of inflatable structures is provided that includes an interior and an exterior component that can be affixed to each other and to the inflatable structure and allows for higher pressures to be maintained within the inflatable structure.