Sensor-Integrated Valve Installation for Hollow Body Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing valves in hollow bodies, such as sports equipment, often damage integrated sensor arrangements and require frequent replacement due to battery drainage, limiting reusability and effective data tracking.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method involving complementary first and second members for installing a valve, along with a sensor arrangement integrated on the valve, which includes a circuit board with sensors and a communication interface to track attributes without damaging the sensor during installation and allowing for rechargeable batteries to extend usage without replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional valve installation methods are used, then the valve can be installed in the hollow body, but the integrated sensor arrangement is damaged during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangement integrityVSAvoidvalve installation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The installation apparatus is divided into two distinct members: a first member (insertion tool) that penetrates the hollow body and a second member (expansion tool) that expands the hole from the outside. This segmentation allows each tool to perform its specific function without interfering with the sensor arrangement, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and sensor integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-member apparatus acts as an intermediary system that mediates between the need for simple valve installation and the need to protect the sensor arrangement. The first member creates the initial opening while the second member expands it, providing a controlled installation process that prevents sensor damage while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the valve with integrated sensor is replaced frequently due to battery drainage, then fresh sensors can be used, but the reusability of the valve is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata tracking continuityVSAvoidvalve reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables discarding only the battery component while recovering and retaining the valve body with the sensor arrangement. The separate battery compartment design allows users to replace just the depleted battery while keeping the expensive sensor-integrated valve, thus maintaining data tracking continuity while maximizing valve reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a single-member installation tool is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor arrangement cannot be protected from damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangement protectionVSAvoidinstallation apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation apparatus is segmented into two specialized members with complementary functions. The first member is designed for precise insertion and initial hole creation, while the second member is designed for controlled expansion. This segmentation, while increasing apparent complexity, actually simplifies the protection mechanism for the sensor arrangement by dividing the installation process into protected stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the hole in the hollow body is expanded aggressively, then the valve installation is simplified, but the sensor arrangement on the valve is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve installation easeVSAvoidsensor damage during installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first member performs preliminary action by creating an initial opening through the hollow body before the expansion process begins. This preliminary hole provides a guided path that prevents uncontrolled expansion forces from damaging the sensor arrangement, allowing subsequent expansion by the second member to proceed safely and easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The two-member system provides beforehand cushioning by controlling the expansion process in two stages. The first member establishes a protected initial opening, and the second member gradually expands this opening with controlled force, cushioning the sensor arrangement from the harmful effects of aggressive expansion while maintaining installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12055239B2Apparatus and method for installing valve in hollow body and sensor arrangement for sensing data therein

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SSTATZZ

AI summary

An apparatus for installing a valve in a hollow body. The apparatus includes a first member and a second member, wherein a part of lengths of the first and second members are complementary to each other to accommodate the first member circumferentially over the second member at the complementary part. The second member is configured to be inserted in a hole on an outer surface of the hollow body; advanced inside the hollow body while retaining the first member against the hole; and withdrawn from the hollow body while retaining the first member against the hole. The apparatus is configured to install the valve into the hollow body while the first member is retained against the hole, and wherein the first member is withdrawn upon the installation of the valve into the hollow body.