Gas-Filled Resilient Body for Recyclable Self-Returning Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves and dispensing systems face challenges in recycling due to the use of exotic plastics and require complex mechanisms for return to initial state, while existing dispensers often require venting and lack consistent pressure delivery.
Innovation Solution
A gas-filled resilient body made from recyclable plastics, such as PE or PP, which uses internal gas pressure to return to its initial state, acting as a valve or spring, and can be used in various configurations including as a dispenser, valve, or spring, with adjustable pressure characteristics and integrated gas propulsion for homogenous material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are made of exotic plastics like POM or metal to achieve reliable valve function, then valve reliability is improved, but recycling becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is made entirely from recyclable plastic materials (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), creating a homogeneous material composition throughout the valve body. This eliminates the need for exotic plastics like POM or metal components, enabling the entire valve to be easily recycled while maintaining functional reliability through the resilient body's elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes a gas-filled resilient body where internal gas pressure (typically 0.5-5 bar) provides the force necessary for the valve to return to its initial closed state. This pneumatic mechanism replaces traditional mechanical return springs, enabling the use of simple recyclable plastics while achieving reliable valve operation through pressure-driven elastic recovery
2Reliability
If conventional valves include separate return mechanisms to ensure the valve returns to initial state, then valve reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member integrates the resilient body, return mechanism, and valve function into a single unified component. The gas-filled resilient body itself provides the elastic recovery force, eliminating the need for separate return springs or mechanical mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces part count and structural complexity while ensuring reliable return to the initial closed state
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is self-actuating through its gas-filled resilient body, which automatically returns to its initial state using the stored elastic energy from internal gas pressure. No external power source, separate return mechanism, or additional actuation components are required—the valve serves itself through its inherent elastic properties
3Productivity
If conventional dispensers use separate propellant systems to achieve material dispensing, then dispensing function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser integrates the propellant reservoir and dispensing mechanism into a single gas-filled resilient body. The same elastic body that provides valve function also serves as the propellant source, eliminating the need for separate propellant tanks, valves, and dispensing components. This unified structure reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective material dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-filled resilient body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the valve member, the return spring, and the propellant source for material dispensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall dispenser structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
4Stress or pressure
If conventional dispensers require venting mechanisms to maintain pressure balance, then pressure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-filled resilient body automatically maintains pressure balance through its elastic properties. As the body deforms during operation, the internal gas pressure naturally adjusts to equalize forces, eliminating the need for separate venting mechanisms. The system self-regulates pressure balance through its inherent elastic response to deformation
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 gas-filled resilient body provides a recyclable, cost-effective solution for valves and dispensers that automatically return to their initial state, eliminates the need for separate return mechanisms, and ensures consistent pressure and homogenous material distribution without venting, enhancing recycling efficiency and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-filled resilient body that is at least partially filled with a compressed gas to establish an internal gas pressure within the hollow body
Implementation Method 2
As a result of the resilience of the body, supported by the pressure of the gas with which it is filled, such a valve member will always return to its initial state when it is not loaded
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-filled resilient body and uses thereof are described. The gas-filled resilient body may be used as a valve member, as a spring or as a gas-propelled dispenser.