Rotating Adjuster Inflation System for Selective Air Pocket Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflation systems are inefficient, unhealthful, and unsafe for inflating multiple air pockets in inflatable products, as they rely on direct mouth inflation or cumbersome tools and lack selective control over air passages.
Innovation Solution
An inflation system with a base, adjuster, and sealing devices that allows selective inflation by rotating the adjuster to communicate or separate the inflation inlet from the air inlet, using check valves and a spring mechanism to control air flow and prevent undesired deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an inflation tool such as an inflator or air inflation pump is used, then inflation efficiency is improved, but the device becomes complicated and heavy, which is inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is segmented into multiple independent air passages (first air passage, second air passage, third air passage) that can be selectively activated. Each air passage has its own control valve, allowing the system to be divided into functional modules that can be used independently or in combination, reducing the complexity of controlling the entire system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through rotatable adjusters and control valves that can switch between different operational states (open/closed, connected/disconnected). The adjuster can rotate to align different air passages with the air source, dynamically changing the inflation path based on which air pocket needs to be inflated, making the system adaptable without requiring multiple fixed devices.
2Device complexity
If a simple air bag compression method is used, then the device is simple, but it is not safe because it may be pressed unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary action through manual activation of control valves or rotation of adjusters before inflation can occur. The user must deliberately open the appropriate air passage by rotating the adjuster or opening the valve, which serves as a preliminary safety check to ensure intentional use. This prevents accidental inflation that could occur with simple compression methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Control valves and adjusters serve as intermediary components between the user and the air pockets. These intermediaries provide controlled access to the air passages, requiring deliberate user action to open or close them. This mediation layer prevents direct, uncontrolled access to the inflation system, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If only one air passage is provided, then the device is simple, but it cannot inflate multiple independent air pockets of an inflatable product
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality through a single integrated base unit that can service multiple air pockets. The rotatable adjuster and multiple air passages allow one device to inflate different air pockets (first air pocket, second air pocket, third air pocket) by simply rotating the adjuster to align the appropriate passage, eliminating the need for multiple separate inflation devices while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic routing through the rotatable adjuster to direct air flow to different air passages based on which air pocket needs inflation. The adjuster can be rotated to align the first air passage, second air passage, or third air passage with the air source, providing adaptability to handle multiple independent air pockets without requiring a complex multi-device setup.
4Ease of operation
If the inflation inlet is always open, then inflation is convenient, but undesired deflation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation inlet dynamically switches between open and closed states based on operational needs. The control valve can be opened temporarily during inflation and then closed to seal the air pocket. This dynamic control allows the system to provide convenience during inflation while ensuring reliable sealing afterward, preventing undesired deflation that would occur with a permanently open inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic opening and closing of the inflation inlet through the control valve. The valve is opened periodically only when inflation is required and closed otherwise. This periodic action pattern maintains air sealing reliability by keeping the inlet closed most of the time, while still providing ease of operation when inflation is needed by simply opening the valve temporarily.
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 system enables efficient, safe, and selective inflation of multiple air pockets, preventing undesired deflation and improving user experience by allowing controlled inflation and deflation through multiple channels.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing device for sealing the inflation inlet
Implementation Method 2
the adjuster is turnable between a communication position and a separation position to open or close the inflation inlet
Implementation Method 3
at the communication position, the first sealing device is openable under an action of high pressure air to communicate the inflation inlet with the air inlet
Implementation Method 4
at the separation position, the adjuster stops high pressure air from opening the first sealing device thereby separating the inflation inlet from the air inlet
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation system includes a base, an adjuster and a first sealing device. The base is provided with a receiving cavity, an air inlet and an inflation inlet, the adjuster is rotatably configured in the receiving cavity, and the first sealing device is adapted for sealing the inflation inlet. The adjuster is turnable between a communication position and a separation position to open or close the inflation inlet, at the communication position, the first sealing device is openable under an action of high pressure air to communicate the inflation inlet with the air inlet; at the separation position, the adjuster stops high pressure air from opening the first sealing device thereby separating the inflation inlet from the air inlet. Different air passages can be selected in the invention, and the usage is convenient and safe.