Pressure Relief Valve Assembly With Inflation Status Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable devices require user intervention to maintain optimal inflation pressure, which can be challenging in noisy environments or for individuals with reduced hearing, and are prone to manufacturing defects that lead to incorrect pressure settings.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relieving valve assembly with audible and visual indicators to signal when the inflation pressure reaches optimal and excessive levels, ensuring consistent pressure regulation through a plunger mechanism and stabilizing features to prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump is operated to inflate the device beyond the optimum pressure with manual monitoring, then the device can be inflated to the required pressure, but the user must carefully monitor the exhaustion of air and timely disconnect the pump, leading to significant pressure variation and inability to maintain consistent optimal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve assembly enables the system to automatically regulate its own pressure without continuous user intervention. The valve self-activates when pressure exceeds the threshold, automatically venting excess air and then closing to maintain optimal pressure, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for careful user monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly provides automatic feedback through audible and visual indicators that signal when optimal pressure is reached and when the valve is venting excess air. This feedback mechanism guides the user to stop inflation at the correct moment while the valve itself continuously monitors and maintains pressure within the acceptable range
2Reliability
If the pressure relief valve is designed with a membrane and spring mechanism, then the valve can regulate pressure, but the spring can become misaligned with the valve body and snag on the spring seat, preventing the valve body from opening the exhaust passage at the required pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly includes pre-assembled components with the spring, valve body, and exhaust passage configured together as an integrated unit. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and positioning of the spring relative to the valve body before the valve is installed in the pump, preventing misalignment and snagging issues during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a separate, self-contained component that can be manufactured and tested independently before integration into the pump system. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing and quality control of the spring-valve body interface, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the risk of manufacturing defects
3Reliability
If the membrane is constrained to move in a vertical direction within a cylindrical channel, then the membrane can close the outlet holes, but the membrane can tilt and snag within the channel, leading to incomplete or incorrect closure of outlet holes
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-positioned and secured within the valve body at the factory, ensuring proper alignment with the outlet holes before the valve is assembled and installed. This preliminary positioning prevents the membrane from tilting or snagging during operation, as it is already correctly oriented within the constrained vertical path
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 assembly provides reliable inflation control, ensuring the inflatable device maintains optimal pressure without user oversight, enhancing support performance and reducing variability.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger arranged to move within the valve chamber to selectively open and close a passageway through the chamber between the valve inlet and the valve outlet
Implementation Method 2
the assembly further comprising an indicator for indicating whether the passageway is open or closed
Data Source
AI summary
An improved pressure relieving valve assembly is disclosed, together with an inflatable support assembly incorporating the pressure relieving valve assembly. The pressure relieving assembly comprises a valve body having a valve inlet and a valve outlet, and a valve chamber fluidly coupled with the valve inlet and the valve outlet. A plunger is disposed within the chamber and arranged to move within the valve chamber to selectively open and close a passageway through the chamber between the valve inlet and the valve outlet. Embodiments are disclosed in which the assembly further comprises audible and/or visual indicators for indicating whether the passageway is open or closed, for assisting a user when inflating an inflatable support member to an optimum pressure.