Integrated Valve for Inflatable Tube Pneumatic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leaks in the inflatable front tube and cross tube of tubkites or wings can lead to loss of shape and safety risks, especially in open water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that pneumatically separates the front tube and cross tube, ensuring that air does not escape from one part to the other if a leak occurs, by being integrated with the connecting connections and potentially manufactured as a single component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose with clamp valve is used to connect the front tube and cross tube, then the pneumatic separation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components (hose, valve, locking steps)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve directly into the connecting piece that connects the front tube and cross tube. This merging of the valve and connecting piece into a single integrated component achieves the pneumatic separation function while eliminating the need for separate hoses and clamp valves, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a clamp valve with multiple locking steps is used, then the pneumatic separation function is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-step locking mechanism from the valve design and replaces it with a simple push-button activation system. The valve is designed to open or close with a single pushing motion on the button, eliminating the need for multiple locking steps while maintaining reliable pneumatic separation.
3Reliability
If separate connecting pieces and valves are used, then the pneumatic separation function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve and connecting piece into a single integrated component manufactured in one piece. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing precision requirements, as the valve is directly formed as part of the connecting piece structure rather than being assembled from separate components.
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 enhances safety by preventing air loss in case of a leak, simplifies the structure and manufacturing process, and eliminates the need for additional protective components, resulting in a more secure and efficient sports equipment design.
Implementation Method 1
A valve, by means of which the front tube and the cross tube can be pneumatically separated from one another, is designed such that, when the valve is closed, the air cannot escape from the other of the two parts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a valve and an arrangement consisting of a tube kite or wing with a corresponding valve which is designed to be mounted on a connecting port of an inflatable front tube or an inflatable cross tube, or is formed integrally with one of the connecting ports, which are pneumatically connected to one another by a connecting line which is connected to the front tube and to the cross tube via connecting ports, and a valve by means of which the front tube and cross tube can be pneumatically separated from one another in such a way that when the valve is closed, if one of the two parts, the front tube and cross tube or the connecting line, has a leak, the air cannot escape from the other of the two parts, characterized in that the valve is designed to be mounted on one of the connecting ports, or is formed integrally with one of the connecting ports.