Push-Button Valve Assembly for Adjustable-Firmness Inflatable Cushions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable cushions, including pillows and mattresses, lack adjustability in firmness and support, making them uncomfortable for users, especially those with chiropractic or orthopedic issues, due to their bouncy feel and lack of resistance against movement, and require cumbersome manual operation of air valves.
Innovation Solution
A self-inflatable cushion with a valve assembly that transitions between open and closed positions without manual rotation of the outer cylindrical wall, utilizing a push-button actuation mechanism with ribs and channels to facilitate easy adjustment of air flow, allowing for variable firmness and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotatable cap valve mechanism is used, then the valve can be sealed and opened, but the operation becomes time-consuming and awkward requiring manual rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotatable cap mechanical system with a push-button actuation system. The button connects through a plunger to a valve member that opens/closes the air passage, eliminating the need for rotational movement while maintaining reliable sealing through the valve member's engagement with the valve seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotational cap component from the valve assembly entirely. The outer housing remains stationary while the internal valve member is actuated linearly by the push button, removing the cumbersome rotational operation while preserving the essential sealing function.
2Strength
If the cushion is made fully inflatable for firmness, then support is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to hardness and bounce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the cushion's firmness by allowing users to easily control air intake through the simplified push-button valve. Users can inflate the cushion to the precise firmness level needed, transitioning from fixed firmness designs to adjustable dynamic firmness that adapts to user preference.
3Reliability
If manual rotation of the outer cylindrical wall is required, then valve control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the rotational mechanical system with a linear push-button actuation system. The button's axial movement translates to the valve member's opening/closing action through the plunger connection, requiring minimal hand strength and dexterity compared to rotating a cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-button design provides self-explanatory operation where the button's position clearly indicates whether the valve is open or closed, and the natural pushing motion is intuitive for all users regardless of dexterity level.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflatable cushion including: an inflatable body, having an upper surface and a lower surface, said body including an air -impermeable skin defining a chamber, an elastic foam core within said chamber and a sealable air valve; and an external elastic foam layer substantially covering at least one of said upper and lower of surfaces; wherein: the foam core is formed of a foam having a density of between about 15 kg/m3 and about 35 kg/ma and a hardness of between about 25 newtons and about 45 newtons; and the foam layer is formed of a foam having a density of between about 35 kg/m3 and about 65 kg/m3 and a hardness of between about 35 newtons and about 95 newtons.