Stability Ball Rapid Inflation System with One-Way Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stability ball inflation systems are time-consuming and inefficient, as they require manual insertion of a plug to prevent air escape during inflation, and often result in rapid deflation due to design features like weighted slugs or wider holes, which complicate maintaining air pressure.
Innovation Solution
A stability ball inflation system featuring a bore with a cylindrical or conical plug and an air-control module that provides a one-way air valve and adjustable airflow, allowing for rapid inflation and deflation with a pressurized air cartridge, and includes tabs for easy rotation between sealed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hand pump is used to fill the stability ball, then air can be introduced into the ball, but the process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressurized air cartridge connected to the stability ball through a valve assembly, using pneumatic pressure to rapidly inflate the ball. This replaces the manual hand pump mechanism with a pressurized gas system, enabling quick inflation without manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cartridge is pre-filled with compressed air before use. This preliminary preparation of stored pressurized air allows for rapid inflation when needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of manual pumping during the actual inflation moment.
2Productivity
If a wider hole is used to allow quicker deflation, then air can escape faster, but it becomes difficult to plug the hole quickly before significant air escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve assembly as an intermediary component between the ball interior and exterior. This valve mechanism controls air flow through the hole, allowing rapid deflation when open while maintaining the ability to seal completely when closed, solving the dilemma between fast deflation and easy plugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable between fully open and fully closed positions. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between rapid deflation mode and sealed mode, accommodating both contradictory requirements at different operational moments.
3Reliability
If a small plastic plug is used to keep air in the ball, then air is retained, but the plug must be quickly inserted before significant air escape
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly serves as an intermediary sealing mechanism that provides reliable air retention without requiring rapid manual intervention. The valve's design allows it to be opened or closed at a controlled pace, eliminating the time pressure associated with inserting a small plastic plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to maintain its sealing function automatically when closed, requiring minimal user intervention. Once closed, the valve self-maintains the seal without needing quick manual repositioning or adjustment, unlike a small plastic plug that must be rapidly inserted.
4Productivity
If a one-way air valve is used for rapid inflation, then air can enter the ball efficiently, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a one-way valve for rapid inflation, a controllable valve for regulated deflation, and a complete seal when closed. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single assembly reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the one-way valve mechanism, the deflation control valve, and the sealing function into a single integrated valve assembly. This merging of functions into one component rather than separate parts simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining rapid inflation capability.
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 efficient and rapid inflation with minimal air leakage, allowing for quick transition between inflated and deflated states, improving user convenience and reducing the time required for air management.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way air valve positioned in the airway to selectively allow air into the stability ball via an inflator component
Implementation Method 2
the inflator includes air passages to direct an airflow from a pressurized air cartridge
Implementation Method 3
An air-control module coupled to the plug within the axial channel of the plug provides an air-tight seal when threaded completely to the plug
Data Source
AI summary
A stability ball inflation and deflation system includes a stability ball with a bore, and a plug within the bore walls. An air-control module engaged within the axial channel of the plug selectively allows air to pass in one or both directions. The air-control module includes a one-way air valve, and a cap releasably sealable to the plug. An airway extending from the one-way valve provides fluid communication with the interior of the stability ball. An inflator adapted to engage the one-way air valve may be removably coupled to the air valve, and provide air passages to direct air from a pressurized air cartridge into the stability ball.