Negative Pressure Regulator Vent Switching for Leak-Free Branch Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure regulators face issues with branch tubes that are not in use needing separate sealing, leading to inconvenience and potential gas leakage when only one cup is operated.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation switching structure with a rotating switching cylinder and knob that allows the blocking wall to selectively block branch tubes, eliminating the need for separate sealing caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sealing plug caps are used to close unused branch tubes, then gas leakage is prevented, but operation convenience deteriorates due to the need to manually install and remove caps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the switching cylinder by integrating a sealing ring directly onto the switching cylinder that contacts the branch tube openings. This eliminates the need for separate plug caps while maintaining reliable sealing, as the switching cylinder itself performs both switching and sealing functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The switching cylinder is given multiple functions: it serves as both the switching mechanism to control ventilation to different branch tubes and as the sealing element to prevent gas leakage from unused tubes. This multi-functionality removes the need for additional dedicated sealing components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branch tubes are provided for multiple cups, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sealing caps
Solution Approach 1:
The switching cylinder performs multiple functions including switching ventilation between branch tubes and providing sealing for unused tubes, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing caps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-cup versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is combined with the switching mechanism into a single integrated component (the switching cylinder with sealing ring), reducing the total number of parts needed while maintaining the ability to connect multiple cups through different branch tubes
3Ease of operation
If plug caps are used to seal unused branch tubes, then ventilation control is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incomplete closure and gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The switching cylinder automatically provides sealing when it rotates into position to block a branch tube opening. The sealing ring on the switching cylinder ensures reliable closure without requiring separate plug caps that might be improperly installed, making the system self-sealing through its normal switching operation
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation switching structure includes a valve, a switching cylinder, and a knob. The valve includes a receiving room, a main tube and branch tubes. The main tube is connected with a negative pressure instrument and connected to the receiving room. The branch tubes are located on two sides of the main tube. The switching cylinder is rotatably disposed in the receiving room and includes a main channel, multiple lateral channels, and a blocking wall. The lateral channels communicate with the main channel and are disposed on a side of the blocking wall at intervals. The knob is connected on the switching cylinder. The knob is capable of rotating the switching cylinder to make the blocking wall optionally block one of the branch tubes so as to accomplish the object of ventilation switching.