Inflation Device Push Arm Mechanism for Simplified Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflation devices for products like toys and mattresses have inconvenient deflation operations, requiring deep finger insertion into the air valve, which is inefficient and unhealthful.
Innovation Solution
An inflation device with an airbag and air valve featuring a unidirectional inlet valve, a push arm that presses against an outlet valve when the inlet valve is opened, allowing air to be released with a simple press motion, eliminating the need for deep finger insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the finger is inserted deep into the air valve to push the bottom resilient wafer for deflation, then the deflation function can be achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient and potentially unhealthful
Solution Approach 1:
The push arm serves as an intermediary mechanical element that transfers the pressing force from the top resilient wafer to the bottom resilient wafer. When the user presses the top resilient wafer, the push arm transmits this force downward to actuate the bottom resilient wafer, eliminating the need for direct finger insertion deep into the valve. This mediator mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing indirect actuation that is both safe and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressing action on the top resilient wafer to automatically trigger the deflation process through the push arm mechanism. The user only needs to press the accessible top wafer, and the system self-completes the deflation by automatically actuating the bottom wafer through the mechanical linkage, making the operation self-serving and eliminating harmful manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a push arm is added to connect the inlet valve to the outlet valve, then the deflation operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push arm is integrated with the existing resilient wafers and valve structure, merging the new actuation mechanism with the原有 components. The push arm connects the top and bottom wafers within the existing valve housing, combining multiple functions (actuation, force transmission, and valve control) into a unified structure that minimizes additional complexity while achieving simplified operation.
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
Simplifies the deflation process by allowing air to be released with a light press on the inlet valve, reducing the effort and health risks associated with the prior art methods.
Implementation Method 1
a special-shape spring is configured in the air valve, the special-shape spring comprises a spring body and the push arm, one end of the push arm is fixed on the spring body
Implementation Method 2
the spring body is compressed if the inlet valve is opened
Implementation Method 3
an air inlet is provided at an upper end of the air valve, an air outlet is provide at a lower end of the air valve, an inlet valve that can be unidirectionally opened inwards the air valve is provided at the air inlet
Implementation Method 4
an outlet valve is provided at the air outlet that can be unidirectionally opened outwards the air valve
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation device includes an airbag and an air valve. An air inlet is provided at an upper end of the air valve, an air outlet is provide at a lower end of the air valve, an inlet valve that is unidirectionally opened. inwards the air valve is provided at the air inlet, the inlet valve can be opened to a deflation position, an outlet valve is provided at the air outlet that is unidirectionally opened outwards the air valve, a push aim extending towards the outlet valve is configured in the air valve and is movable up and down, the push arm is actuated to move towards the outlet valve if the inlet valve is opened, and is pressed against the outlet valve if the inlet valve is at the deflation position. The deflation operation of the inflation device is simple due to the configuration of the push arm.