Rollable Flexible Chute Valve for Self-Locking Inflatable Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional valves for inflatable objects face challenges such as small openings causing slow inflation and deflation, large openings leading to heavy, bulky, and rigid structures, inadequate access for cleaning, and difficulty in accommodating varying pressure conditions, which compromise user convenience and the structural integrity of inflatable objects.
Innovation Solution
A flexible chute valve system that allows for large entry/exit points, self-locking in a closed position, and includes one-way valves for controlled inflation and deflation, enabling rapid inflation/deflation without the need for heavy or rigid structures, and allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large valve openings are used to improve inflation/deflation speed, then productivity is improved, but the structure becomes heavy, bulky, and rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible chute made of thin, flexible material that can be rolled into a compact size while maintaining a large opening area when deployed. This flexible membrane structure provides the large opening needed for rapid inflation/deflation without requiring heavy or rigid support structures, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a dynamic rolling mechanism where the chute can be rolled up during deflation and unrolled during inflation. This dynamic configuration allows the valve to transition between a compact low-weight state and a large-opening high-productivity state, effectively resolving the contradiction between weight and inflation/deflation speed.
2Productivity
If large valve openings are used to improve inflation/deflation speed, then productivity is improved, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs a dynamic rolling mechanism where the chute can be rolled up during deflation and unrolled during inflation. This dynamic configuration allows the valve to transition between a compact low-volume state for storage and a large-opening high-productivity state during operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between packing size and inflation/deflation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible chute is designed to roll into a compact cylindrical form that nests within or alongside the inflatable object when not in use. This nesting capability allows the large opening structure to be condensed into a small volume for storage, resolving the contradiction between productivity and packing size.
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the rolled valve, then reliability is improved, but the device becomes heavy and creates stress concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-locking mechanism where the rolled chute naturally secures itself through friction and geometric interlocking without requiring external fasteners. The rolled configuration creates a self-sustaining structure that maintains closure reliability without adding the weight and stress concentrations associated with traditional fasteners, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
4Reliability
If rolled valve configuration is used to close the opening, then the opening can be secured, but the surface of the inflatable object is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system separates the closure function from the surface structure by using a discrete rolled chute that can be independently configured. The chute rolls up along its own axis and secures itself through self-locking mechanisms, preventing distortion of the underlying inflatable object surface. This segmentation allows the closure mechanism to maintain reliability without compromising surface smoothness or aerodynamics.
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 flexible chute valve system provides rapid and efficient inflation/deflation, maintains the lightweight and compact nature of inflatable objects, and ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing the risk of damage during storage and transportation while maintaining aesthetic and aerodynamic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
In a closed position, pressure inside the inflatable object will cause a chute to bind in a closed position and resist opening
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable object has a curved section, and an improved valve featuring a flexible chute that has an inner edge connected to said inflatable object and is rollable and unrollable between a rolled-up closed position and an unrolled open position. The inner edge is connected to said inflatable object along said curved section at a location and orientation operable to use pressure inside said inflatable object to resist unrolling of said flexible chute from the rolled-up closed position, thereby imparting a self-locking functionality to the valve.