Shoe Ventilation Valve Switching Fresh and Recirculated Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe ventilation systems lack an efficient and energy-effective mechanism for switching between fresh air supply and recirculated air modes, particularly in designs that require frequent position changes without energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A shoe ventilation system featuring a servomotor-driven valve closing element that can be pivoted between two setting positions, disconnecting one air intake line from the air pump while connecting the other, with a coupling element that maintains positions without energy consumption, utilizing a miniature motor and sensor system for automated switching based on temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electromagnetically controllable valve is used as the switching device, then switching between fresh air supply and recirculated air mode is enabled, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic valve with a purely mechanical switching device. The valve closing element is actuated by a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear displacement, mechanically opening and closing the first and second openings to switch between fresh air supply and recirculated air modes without electromagnetic energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is integrated into the shoe's existing ventilation system, utilizing the air pump's operational cycles to naturally switch between modes. The cam mechanism is driven by the air pump's operational rhythm, allowing the system to self-regulate between fresh air supply during pumping phases and recirculated air during non-pumping phases without additional energy input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electromagnetically controllable valve is used as the switching device, then switching between fresh air supply and recirculated air mode is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetically controllable valve with a simpler mechanical cam mechanism. The cam profile directly controls the valve closing element's position, eliminating the need for electromagnetic coils, control circuits, and associated components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates the valve closing element for mode switching, maintains sealing through its profile design, and integrates with the air pump's operational cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a valve closing element with sealing surface sliding over bearing surface is used, then structural simplicity and robustness are improved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lubrication system that delivers lubricant to the contact surface between the valve closing element's sealing surface and the bearing surface of the housing. This lubrication layer reduces direct metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction and wear while preserving the simple sliding seal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the contact surfaces by applying lubricant, changing the friction coefficient and wear characteristics. The lubricated surface allows the simple sliding structure to operate with reduced friction and wear, maintaining both structural simplicity and durability.
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 enables low-energy consumption, automated switching between fresh air and recirculated air modes, reducing the need for external charging and enhancing comfort by using mechanical energy harvesting and integrated sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the servomotor and the coupling element are designed in such a way that the valve closing element is in the two control positions without energy consumption
Implementation Method 2
the sliding of the sealing surface on the contact surface ensures static friction for better holding of the valve closing element in the respective adjustment positions
Implementation Method 3
an air pump device (4), an air supply line (5) transporting air from the air pump device (4) into the interior of the shoe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A shoe has a ventilation device comprising an air pump, an air supply line for transporting air from the air pump into the interior of the shoe, and an air intake line for transporting air into the air pump. The air intake line includes a first air intake line (7) with a first intake opening located on the outside of the shoe for drawing in fresh air, a second air intake line (9) with a second intake opening located inside the shoe, and a switching device that connects the first (7) and the second (9) air intake lines to the air pump, connecting either the first (7) or the second (9) air intake line to at least one intake opening of the air pump.According to the invention, the switching device comprises a valve closing element (17) driven by an actuator (14), which is movable between two positions when the actuator (14) is actuated. In the first position, it connects the first air intake line (7), and in the second position, it connects the second air intake line (9) to at least one of the at least one intake opening of the air pump device. The actuator (14) is connected to the valve closing element (17) via a coupling element, and the actuator (14) and the coupling element are designed such that the valve closing element (17) is held in both positions without consuming energy.