Rotatable Inflation Valve for Selective Brace Cell Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic braces with inflatable components often require external pumps, which are bulky and inconvenient, and lack the ability to provide customized compression in different areas, as they typically inflate or deflate all cells to an equal pressure or require multiple pumps and valves for individual control.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an on-board pump system with a rotatable control valve that allows users to selectively inflate or deflate individual inflatable cells within the brace, providing customizable compression by creating different fluid paths between the pump and each cell through various orientations of the control valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external pump is connected to the brace, then the user can inflate and deflate the brace pads, but the pump becomes a bulky extra component that impairs the wearability of the brace
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated into the valve assembly, combining two previously separate components (pump and valve) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for a separate external pump, reducing overall volume while maintaining inflation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a valve for pressure control and a pump for inflation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pump and valve components, reducing the overall volume of the system.
2Ease of operation
If a single pump and valve inflates or deflates all inflatable cells to equal pressure, then the system is simple to operate, but the user cannot independently control the pressures in different inflatable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into multiple independent valve units, with each valve unit controlling a specific inflatable cell. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each cell while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve unit is designed to control pressure locally in its associated inflatable cell, allowing different pressure levels in different regions of the brace. This enables customized compression in specific areas while maintaining simple operation through standardized valve units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each inflatable cell has its own port for selective inflation, then the user can independently control individual cells, but multiple valves are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve assembly. The assembly contains multiple valve units that can be selectively activated, providing individual cell control without requiring multiple separate valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can control multiple inflatable cells through a single integrated structure. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to independently control each cell.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are connected to the valves or a single pump is moved from valve to valve, then individual cells can be controlled, but the pumps are inconvenient to handle and can be easily lost if detached
Solution Approach 1:
The pump function is merged with the valve assembly, creating a single integrated unit that cannot be easily detached or lost. This eliminates the handling issues associated with separate pumps while maintaining individual cell inflation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is self-contained with an integrated pump mechanism, eliminating the need for external or detachable pumps. The system serves itself with all necessary inflation components built into the permanent structure.
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
Enables users to customize compression levels in different areas of the brace, eliminating the need for external pumps and reducing the risk of loss, while providing a streamlined and user-friendly inflation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A valve for use in an inflatable orthopedic device includes an inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and an internal fluid flow control that is positionable in two or more orientations. A first fluid path passing through the center of the control is created between the inlet port and a first of the outlet ports when the control is positioned in a first orientation, and a second fluid path passing through the center of the control is created between the inlet port and a second of the outlet ports when the control is positioned in a second orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inlet to one or more outlets of the control. The outlets are independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet by through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inlet and a selected outlet by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired outlet. Each outlet is independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet in various orientations of the control.