Integrated Two-Way Inflation Valve for Leak-Safe Diving Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable diving equipment, such as buoys and life jackets, face issues with leakage due to multiple connections, high production costs, and complex manufacturing processes, as they require multiple parts and sealing steps for the inflation and discharge valves.
Innovation Solution
A two-way flow valve assembly with separate inlet and outlet paths, each equipped with non-return valves, reduces the number of connections and simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating the valve components into a single unit with fewer parts, ensuring efficient inflation and deflation without protruding beyond the bag's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate connections are used for inflation and discharge valves, then the equipment can perform both functions, but the leakage risk increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inflation valve and discharge valve into a single integrated valve assembly that connects to the inflatable bag through one connection point. The valve body contains both an inflation pathway with non-return valve and a discharge pathway with discharge valve, eliminating the need for separate connections and reducing leakage risks associated with multiple connection points.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate valve components are used, then each valve can be optimized independently, but the production cost increases and manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple valve components (inflation non-return valve, discharge valve, spring mechanism, and valve body) into a single unified assembly. This reduces the total number of separate parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to optimize each functional pathway independently within the integrated structure.
3Ease of operation
If the valve assembly protrudes beyond the bag surface, then access for inflation and discharge is easier, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the inflatable bag when deflated. The valve body and components are contoured to follow the bag's surface profile, with the inflation terminal and discharge opening positioned to provide adequate access without creating significant protrusions that would affect aesthetics or increase bulk.
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 enhances safety by reducing leakage risks, simplifies production, and lowers costs while maintaining functionality, as it requires only one sealed connection and fewer assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve configured in such a way as to open automatically in the presence of an inlet fluid flow having a predetermined supply pressure and to automatically close when the pressure of the inlet fluid flow falls below a certain minimum value
Implementation Method 2
a normally closed exhaust valve which can be opened thanks to a direct action to control the displacement of the valve shutter in a position away from the valve seat or thanks to a thrust exerted by the pressure of the fluid inside the bag when this pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element which stresses the shutter in a position where the discharge or outlet flow is cut off
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation fluid supply and discharge assembly includes a combined two-way inlet and outlet valve having a valve body with two separate flow paths separated for flows in opposite directions. Each flow path is associated with a valve seat with a shutter, which cooperates with the valve seat in the manner of a non-return valve. One of the flow paths, intended for the passage of an incoming flow to a collection body, can be connected to a fluid supply source, the other flow path enabling the passage of a discharge flow from the collection body. A shutter is stably stressed against the corresponding valve seat, in a position of interdiction of the discharge or outlet flow, and is moved to a position at a distance from the valve seat by control members or automatically by a predetermined overpressure condition of the fluid in the collection body.