Rotary-to-Linear Inflatable Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for inflatable structures are difficult to operate, install, and maintain, requiring independent inflation and deflation of each chamber, which complicates the process and increases the risk of unintended deflation due to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a valve body with an inlet and outlet, a linearly movable valve member, and an actuator that allows rotation to switch between open and closed conditions with less than a full revolution, incorporating a bias mechanism and locking features for easy operation and secure sealing, along with a collapsible tube and resilient spacer for fluid communication between chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known valves are used to connect chambers, then fluid communication between chambers is achieved, but the valves are difficult to operate, install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve operating mechanisms with a simple rotary actuator that moves a valve member linearly through cam surfaces or direct action. This substitution simplifies the mechanical system while maintaining reliable fluid communication control between chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates automatic features such as self-latching mechanisms and self-sealing designs that reduce the need for manual intervention during operation, installation, and maintenance. The valve member automatically returns to the closed position using spring biasing or elastic recovery of the valve material itself.
2Reliability
If chambers are isolated from each other, then a leak in one chamber does not cause deflation of other chambers, but each chamber must be inflated and deflated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The valve serves multiple functions: it isolates chambers during normal operation to prevent leak propagation, but also enables unified inflation/deflation of all chambers when open. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate inflation procedures for each chamber while maintaining safety isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions dynamically between isolated and connected states, allowing the system to adapt between safety mode (isolated) and operational mode (connected). This dynamic capability enables flexible inflation procedures where chambers can be filled simultaneously when needed, then isolated for safe operation.
3Reliability
If the valve member moves linearly between open and closed conditions, then secure sealing is achieved, but the actuator must convert rotational motion to linear motion
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator utilizes cam surfaces with curved profiles that convert rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the valve member. The cam geometry ensures reliable sealing by maintaining consistent contact pressure between the valve member and seat throughout the motion cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and valve member are integrated into a unified assembly where the actuator directly drives the valve member's linear motion without requiring separate transmission mechanisms. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while ensuring reliable motion conversion for secure sealing.
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 valve enables efficient and secure fluid communication between chambers, simplifying the inflation and deflation processes while preventing unintended deflation, and can be easily attached to inflatable structures with varying wall thicknesses, enhancing operational ease and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may comprise a bias which is arranged to bias the valve member into the closed condition. The bias may comprise a resilient member disposed between the valve member and the actuator.
Implementation Method 2
an actuator coupled to the valve member such that the valve member is constrained to rotate with the actuator and is movable in the linear direction with respect to the actuator, wherein the valve is configured such that rotation of the actuator causes the valve member to move in the linear direction with respect to both the actuator and the valve body
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprising a valve body having an inlet and an outlet; a valve member moveable in a linear direction with respect to the valve body between a closed condition in which flow between the inlet and the outlet is restricted and an open condition; and an actuator coupled to the valve member such that the valve member is constrained to rotate with the actuator and is movable in the linear direction with respect to the actuator, wherein the valve is configured such that rotation of the actuator causes the valve member to move in the linear direction with respect to both the actuator and the valve body between the closed condition and the open condition.