Self-Sealing Balloon Valve Structure for Heat-Stable Airtight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-sealing valves for inflatable bodies, such as balloons, are either complex, prone to failure, or not suitable for latex balloons due to material degradation and lack of rigidity, requiring manual activation of adhesives for sealing after inflation.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing valve comprising a hollow tube element made of elastomeric material with a cylindrical portion and a flat portion, where the flat portion is closed at the distal end and features an opening on one of its sides, allowing the internal pressure to create a secure seal when inflated, manufactured using a mold immersed in an elastomeric bath and integrated into the balloon during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-sealing valve with rounded inlet and flat outlet is used, then the valve closes automatically due to internal pressure, but the rubber degrades when heated during manufacturing causing the valve to stop working properly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from natural rubber to synthetic rubber that is resistant to heat degradation. This allows the valve to maintain its self-sealing functionality while withstanding the heating process during balloon manufacturing without degrading over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction combining synthetic rubber for the valve body with adhesive layers for sealing. This composite approach provides both the automatic sealing function and the heat resistance needed for reliable long-term operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a normal balloon latex is used for the valve, then the valve is flexible, but it does not have adequate rigidity from the beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties by using synthetic rubber instead of natural latex, adjusting the rigidity parameter while maintaining flexibility. This allows the valve to have adequate structural support from the beginning while still being flexible enough for balloon application.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to seal the balloon after inflation, then the sealing function is achieved, but manual activation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-sealing valve that automatically seals itself using the internal pressure of the inflated balloon. The valve structure includes a flat outlet that closes automatically when the balloon is inflated, eliminating the need for manual activation of adhesive or other sealing mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a complex self-sealing valve structure is used, then automatic sealing is achieved, but the valve is prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the valve structure by extracting only the essential self-sealing function through a rounded inlet and flat outlet design. This simplified structure is less prone to failure while maintaining automatic sealing capability, avoiding the complexity of multi-component systems.
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 solution provides a reliable, easy-to-manufacture self-sealing valve that maintains rigidity and prevents air leakage without manual activation, suitable for various types of inflatable bodies, including latex balloons, ensuring a secure and long-lasting seal.
Implementation Method 1
heating the mold with said elastomeric material layer thereon in a heating device until the elastomeric material layer is solid such that a hollow tube element is formed on the mold
Implementation Method 2
the flat portion is provided with an opening on at least one of its flat sides... allows the internal pressure to create a secure seal when inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a self-sealing valve for an inflatable body such as a toy balloon is disclosed. The method comprises immersing a mold in an immersion bath of an elastomeric material in liquid form and heating the mold in a heating device until a hollow tube element of an elastomeric material with a proximal end, a distal end, a cylindrical portion at the proximal end, a flat portion at the distal end having two flat sides, and a transition portion between the cylindrical portion and the flat portion is formed. The cylindrical portion is open at the proximal end and the flat portion is closed at the distal end with an opening on at least one of its flat sides. The valve is inserted in an inflatable body with the flat and transition portions of the hollow tube element located inside the inflatable body.