Inflatable Valve With Anti-Puncture Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable dunnage bag valves lack efficient mechanisms for controlled inflation and deflation, potentially causing damage to the inflatable objects during pressure changes and failing to prevent punctures from the valve standoffs.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a housing with a sealing assembly, spring, and locking member that allows for controlled gas flow through a gas passageway, with an anti-puncture ring to prevent damage to the inflatable object, enabling secure inflation and deflation while preventing punctures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve is used to enable inflation and deflation of an inflatable object, then controlled gas flow is achieved, but the valve standoffs may puncture the inflatable object during pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing assembly acts as an intermediary between the gas flow control function and the inflatable object. The sealing assembly includes a seal that contacts the inflatable object to control gas flow while protecting it from puncture damage by the valve standoffs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly is positioned in advance to cushion and protect the inflatable object from potential puncture damage by the valve standoffs during pressure changes. The seal creates a protective barrier before any harmful contact can occur.
2Reliability
If a sealing assembly is added to control gas flow, then reliable inflation and deflation are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated component structure. The seal, stem, and retention features are merged into one assembly that both controls gas flow and protects the inflatable object, reducing the need for separate protective components.
3Reliability
If the sealing assembly is retained on the housing during operation, then reliable sealing is maintained, but the sealing assembly may be damaged or lost during deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features are designed in advance to protect the sealing assembly from damage during deflation. The stem retention feature and seal retention feature create protective structures before any damaging forces can act on the sealing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed as a flexible component that can deform and adapt during pressure changes. The flexible nature of the seal allows it to maintain contact and sealing integrity while accommodating the pressure variations during inflation and deflation cycles.
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 valve ensures reliable and controlled inflation and deflation of inflatable objects, preventing damage during pressure changes and ensuring the integrity of the inflatable material by using an anti-puncture ring to shield against valve standoffs.
Implementation Method 1
The valve includes a spring that biases the sealing assembly to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The sealing ring sealingly engages the housing when the sealing assembly is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve configured to enable the inflation and deflation of an inflatable object.