Inflation Probe with Nested Pressure Gauge for Airbag Shipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately and efficiently measure and adjust the inflation pressure of large airbags, such as dunnage bags, during shipment, leading to potential damage from pressure changes due to altitude variations, especially when they expand and deform packaging or products.
Innovation Solution
An inflation probe device with a pressure gauge and venturis, integrated into a handle with a manual gas delivery valve, allows for real-time measurement and adjustment of inflation pressure within the airbag, ensuring precise control and efficient inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inflation methods without pressure measurement are used, then inflation process is simple and quick, but inflation pressure cannot be accurately controlled leading to airbag expansion damage at high altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge is integrated inside the inflation probe handle, with the pressure sensing conduit nested within the probe structure. The conduit extends through the probe wall to sense pressure at the distal end while remaining protected within the probe body, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds measurement capability without significantly increasing external device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the inflation function and pressure measurement function into a single integrated device. The inflation probe simultaneously delivers inflation gas and houses the pressure gauge, merging two separate functions (inflation and measurement) into one unified tool that operates concurrently
2Reliability
If inflation pressure is set high to ensure cushioning at sea level, then cushioning is adequate at low altitudes, but airbags expand excessively and damage packaging at high altitudes due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge provides real-time visual feedback of the inflation pressure during the inflation process. This allows the operator to monitor the pressure reading and stop inflation at the precise moment when the desired pressure is achieved, preventing overinflation. The feedback loop enables accurate pressure control that accounts for future altitude changes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables preliminary measurement and adjustment of inflation pressure before the airbag is sealed and shipped. By measuring and controlling the pressure in advance, the system prepares the airbag to withstand future altitude changes, preventing expansion damage before it occurs
3Ease of operation
If worker estimates inflation pressure by appearance and feel, then inflation process is quick and simple, but pressure estimation is inaccurate leading to improper inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge enables the inflation system to self-monitor its own pressure state. The operator simply reads the pressure gauge reading and adjusts inflation accordingly, allowing the system to serve its own measurement needs without requiring external measurement equipment or complex estimation techniques
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 device enables accurate and efficient inflation of airbags, preventing damage from pressure changes by allowing for precise control of inflation pressure, ensuring safe and undamaged shipment of products.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure gauge has an input orifice and a pressure gauge conduit extending from the input orifice to adjacent the distal end of the inflation tube, wherein the distal end of the pressure gauge conduit is exposed to and is in pressure communication with the internal pressure of the airbag
Implementation Method 2
The inflation tube has venturis for increasing the volume of inflation gas delivered to the airbag
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation device for airbags has an inflation tube insertable through the airbag inflation valve, the inflation tube having a distal end. A handle mounts the inflation tube and is connected to an inflation gas source. A delivery valve controls inflation gas flow through inflation tube. A pressure gauge has an input and conduit extending therefrom along the inflation tube and to the end of the inflation tube for ascertaining inflation pressure within the airbag. The delivery valve is operated to achieve a desired inflation pressure. The inflation tube has gas delivery openings through its side walls laterally delivering inflation gas to the airbag. The inflation tube and pressure gauge conduit are inserted together through the airbag inflation valve, so that inflation pressure is monitored substantially concurrently with inflation.