Recessed Valve Assembly for Inflatable Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for inflatable recreational products lack security, versatility, and often protrude from the surface, making them vulnerable and inconvenient for use, while also risking air leakage due to single annular seals and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A recessed cup valve assembly with a central boss having internal and external threads, incorporating a check valve with a diaphragm seal, an adapter for fluid supply, and a cap that secures all components flush with the surface, preventing air leakage and debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve protrudes from the surface of the inflatable body, then it is easier to access and operate, but it becomes vulnerable to damage and impedes the use of the product
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is nested within a recessed cup structure that is embedded in the inflatable body surface. The cup houses the valve components (check valve, adapter, cap) and provides a protective enclosure, allowing the valve to be accessed and operated while remaining protected from external damage and maintaining a flush surface.
2Device complexity
If a single annular seal is used in the valve assembly, then the structure is simpler, but air leakage may occur if the seal is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seals are positioned at different locations within the valve assembly (at the base of the cup, at the valve body, and at the adapter interface). Each seal provides a redundant barrier against air leakage, so if one seal is damaged, the other seals continue to maintain the airtight seal, significantly improving reliability without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If the valve assembly is recessed flush with the surface, then it provides a smooth surface and reduces vulnerability, but it may be more difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct components (cup, check valve, adapter, cap) that can be independently accessed and operated. The cap can be removed to access the adapter and check valve, allowing maintenance and operation while maintaining a protected recessed structure. This segmentation enables both protection and accessibility.
4Reliability
If a cap is added to retain components and prevent debris entry, then protection is improved, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it retains the adapter and check valve components in place, prevents debris and contaminants from entering the valve assembly, and provides a user interface for operation. By combining these functions into a single component, the complexity increase is minimized while achieving multiple protective and operational benefits.
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 design provides a secure, versatile, and compact valve assembly that prevents air leakage, protects against debris, and simplifies operation and maintenance by allowing all components to be enclosed, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing user safety with a flush surface.
Implementation Method 1
A diaphragm is attached to the base of the valve body and acts as the primary seal to restrict air flow through the bore
Implementation Method 2
The boss receives a check valve... An adapter is insert-able into the central bore of the main body... Finally a cap with internal threading is threadedly fastened onto the external threads on the central boss of the recessed cup
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for inflatable bodies such as a recreational toy, is located in a recessed cup that is flush with the surface of the inflatable body. The cup has a central boss that has both an internal and external thread. The valve assembly is secured to the boss with the internal threads and a cap is secured to the boss with the external threads. The valve assembly provides for inflation using an air hose or a manual inflation device. The valve assembly is removable from the cup to facilitate deflation of the body after use. The cap provides sealing between the cup and valve member to inhibit loss of air.