Pressure Relief Valve Assembly With Audible Inflation Feedback

The patent applies feedback by providing audible signals that automatically indicate when the device reaches the target pressure and when the valve closes during deflation. This eliminates the need for users to manually monitor pressure changes, providing continuous feedback about the inflation/deflation state without requiring user interpretation of subtle pressure changes.

The patent replaces the manual mechanical monitoring system with an acoustic signaling system. Instead of relying on users to detect pressure changes through manual observation or feeling, the system uses audible signals generated by the valve mechanism itself to indicate critical pressure states, substituting human sensory monitoring with an amplified acoustic feedback mechanism.

The patent provides distinct audible feedback signals for different operational states: a first audible signal indicates when the device reaches target pressure, and a second audible signal indicates when the pressure relief valve closes during deflation. This structured feedback system ensures that critical information is transmitted clearly regardless of ambient noise levels or user hearing capabilities.

While the patent primarily uses acoustic signals, it also incorporates visual indicators (such as colored markers or indicators on the device) that change state or become visible at critical pressure points. This multi-sensory approach ensures that pressure status information is accessible through multiple channels, compensating for limitations in any single sensing modality.

The patent employs asymmetric or non-uniform spring coil spacing, with coils having different diameters along the length of the spring. This asymmetric design creates a preferred alignment orientation that guides the spring into the correct position during assembly, preventing misalignment with the valve body. The asymmetric geometry ensures that only in the correct orientation will the spring function properly, thereby preventing manufacturing defects that lead to over-inflation.

The asymmetric spring design enables self-alignment during assembly. As the spring is inserted into the valve body, the varying coil diameters naturally guide it into the correct rotational orientation without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures. The spring essentially aligns itself through its own geometric properties, reducing the skill level required for assembly and preventing misalignment defects.

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide channels, alignment pins, or pre-set angular orientations that ensure the membrane assumes the correct position before it begins its sealing action. These pre-positioning mechanisms prevent the membrane from tilting or snagging during operation, as the membrane is already constrained to the proper orientation by the preliminary structural features built into the valve assembly.

The patent modifies geometric parameters of the membrane mounting structure, such as the angle of installation, the depth of seating, or the curvature of the membrane support surface. By carefully selecting these geometric parameters, the membrane is guided to follow a precise motion path that prevents tilting and snagging, ensuring complete and accurate closure of the outlet holes at the intended pressure.