WO2011071501A1

WO2011071501A1 - Pressure regulator apparatus to detect out of fluid state

Info

Publication number: WO2011071501A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/067619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Mark Haines; Craig Malik; Mark Devries; Ronald Ender
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2009-12-11
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2011-06-16

Abstract

A pressure regulator apparatus usable with an aerosol supply device containing a fluid in which the pressure regulator apparatus including a housing, an inflatable diaphragm unit disposed within the housing and configured to regulate a pressure of the fluid to be transported from the inflatable diaphragm unit substantially constant, the inflatable diaphragm unit configured to move between an inflatable state and a non-inflatable state, and an out of fluid detection unit disposed proximate to the inflatable diaphragm unit and configured to detect an out of fluid state when the inflatable diaphragm unit moves to the non-inflatable state.

Description

PRESSURE REGULATOR APPARATUS TO DETECT OUT OF FLUID STATE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Pressure regulators serve a useful function, particularly with respect to aerosol supply devices such as aerosol cans which typically contain fluid and a propellant to deliver the fluid outside thereof. Typical propellents used are chlorafluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, and compressed gas. Pressure within the aerosol can is determined by remaining fluid content in the aerosol can, respective propellant used, and temperature. Actual can pressure can vary with changes in content volume and temperature therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the present general inventive concept are described in the following description, read with reference to the figures attached hereto and do not limit the scope of the claims. In the figures, identical and similar structures, elements or parts thereof that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same or similar references in the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features illustrated in the figures are chosen primarily for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily to scale. Referring to the attached figures:

[0003] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a fluid dispensing system including a pressure regulator apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

[0004] FIGS. 1 B and 1 C are perspective views illustrating a portion of a pressure regulator apparatus in a first inflation state and a non-inflation state, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept;

[0005] FIG. 2 is sectional view illustrating a pressure regulator apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

[0006] FIG, 3 is a perspective view illustrating the second electrically- conductive member disposed on the diaphragm cup of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

[0007] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of the first electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member of the pressure regulator apparatus of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B are electrical diagrams illustrating an electrical circuit representation of the out of fluid detection unit of FIG. 2 in an open state and a closed state, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept;

[0009] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a pressure regulator apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

[0010] FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of a third electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member of the pressure regulator apparatus of FIG. 8 according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and

[0011] FIGS. 8A and 8B are electrical diagrams illustrating an electrical circuit representation of the out of a fluid detection unit in an open state and a closed state, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is depicted by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the general inventive concept may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present genera! inventive concept. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present general inventive concept is defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Aerosol supply devices, for example, aerosol cans, typically contain fluid and a propellant to deliver the fluid outside thereof. As pressure of the fluid may vary inside the aerosol supply device, a pressure regulator apparatus can be used therewith to provide the fluid obtained from the aerosol supply device at a substantially constant pressure. In one application, the aerosol supply device in combination with a pressure regulator apparatus dispense the fluid such as ink at a substantially constant pressure, for example, to an external device such as an image forming apparatus to form hard copies of images. However, once the fluid within the aerosol supply device is exhausted, images can no longer be accurately formed. Thus, an ability to use a pressure regulator apparatus in a cost-effective manner to accurately detect an out of fluid state of the aerosol supply device can be beneficial.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a fluid dispensing system including a pressure regulator apparatus in communication with an aerosol supply device according to an example embodiment of the present genera! inventive concept. A fluid dispensing system 10 includes an aerosol supply device 15 in communication with a pressure regulator apparatus 1 1 , for example, which may be configured to supply fluid to an external device (not illustrated) such as an imaging forming apparatus. In an example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, a pressure regulator apparatus 1 1 includes an inflatable diaphragm unit 12 configured to move between an inflatable state (FIG. 1 B) and a non- inflatable state (FIG. 1 C). The inflatable diaphragm unit 12 includes an internal chamber 13 in which fluid enters from the aerosol supply device 15 and exits to the external device (not illustrated).

[0015] In an example, the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 may move between several inflatable states and a non-inflatable state. For example, a first inflatable state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 may correspond to an inflated state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 below a predetermined inflatable level due to an amount of fluid within the internal chamber 13 of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12. In the present example, when the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the first inflatable state, the fluid from the aerosol supply device 15 enters into the internal chamber 13 therein. The predetermined inflatable level may correspond to, for example, a desired amount of pressure of the fluid to be provided from the pressure regulator apparatus 12 to an external device. A second inflatable state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 may correspond to an inflated state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 exceeding a predetermined inflatable level due to a pressure caused by the amount of fluid within the inflatable diaphragm unit 12. For example, when the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the second inflatable state, the fluid from the pressure regulator apparatus 11 may be provided to the external device with a constant pressure. The non-inflatable state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 may correspond to the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 not being inflated due to a substantially absence of fluid within the internal chamber 13 of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12. In the present example, the pressure regulator apparatus 11 also includes an out of fluid detector unit 14 configured to detect an out of fluid state of an aerosol supply device 15. In the present example, the fluid may include ink and the aerosol supply device 15 may include an ink container.

[0016] FIG. 2 is sectional view illustrating a pressure regulator apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. In an example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a pressure regulator apparatus 21 is configured to regulate a pressure of the fluid to be transported from the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 substantially constant. In the present example, the pressure regulator apparatus 21 includes a housing 18 and the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 disposed therein. The housing 18, for example, may be in a form of a cap member surrounding the inflatable diaphragm unit 12. The inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is configured to move between the inflatable states and the non-inflatable state. Thus, for example, when a fluid dispensing system 10 is properly engaged with an image forming apparatus such as a septum 23 (FIG. 2) connected to a needle of an image forming apparatus as is old and well-known, and the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 Is in the inflated state in which the predetermined inflatable level is exceeded, the fluid is provided from the aerosol supply device 15 through the pressure regulator apparatus 1 1 to the image forming apparatus at a substantially constant pressure. The pressure regulator apparatus 21 also includes an out of fluid detection unit 14 disposed proximate to the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 and is configured to detect an out of fluid state when the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the non- inflatable state.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, in an example, the out of fluid detection unit 14 includes an electrical circuit, for example, including a first set of electrically-conductive members having a first electrically-conductive member 22 and a second electrically-conductive member 24 movable with respect to each other. In the present example, the first electrically-conductive member 22 may remain stationary and the second electrically-conductive member 24 may move toward and away from the first electrically-conductive member 22. In another example, the second electrically-conductive member 24 may remain stationary and the first electrically-conductive member 22 may move toward and away from the second electrically-conductive member 24. Yet in another example, each of the first electrically-conductive member 22 and the second electrically-conductive member 24 may move toward and away from each other.

[0018] in the present example, the out of fluid detection unit 14 is configured to detect the out of fluid state when the electrical circuit is in a closed state. That is, the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 are in electrical contact with each other. In another example, the out of fluid detection unit 14 is configured to detect the out of fluid state when the electrical circuit is in an open state. That is, the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 are not in electrical contact with each other. In an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the out of fluid detection unit 14 may also include a signal generator unit 51 and a signal detection module 52. The signal generator unit 51 , for example, may include a power supply, or other old and well-known signal generator unit, to supply a signal such as current to components of the electrical circuit including the first and second electrically- conductive members 22 and 24 when the first and second electrically- conductive members 22 and 24 are in electrical contact with each other. The signal detection module 52 is configured to detect whether a signal is present. For example, the signal detection module 52 may receive the signal from the signal generator unit 51 that passes through the first and second electrically- conductive members 22 and 24 indicating the out of fluid state. The signal detection module 52 may include, for example, conventional digital logic circuitry and/or machine-readable instructions. An indicator unit (not illustrated) such as a light and/or audible alarm or another conventional indicator unit may be used in combination with the pressure regulator apparatus 1 1 to indicate the out of fluid state, for example, of the aerosol supply device 15 detected by the out of fluid detection unit 14, for example, to a user.

[0019] In the present example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first electrically-conductive member 22 may include a post such as a tee post formed of conductive material and connected to a portion of the housing 16. One end 22a of the first electrically-conductive member 22, for example, may extend outward from one side of the housing 18 away from the second electrically- conductive member 24 and an other end 22b of the first electrically-conductive member 22 may extend outward from another side of the housing 18 toward the second electrically-conductive member 24. Referring to FIG. 2, in the present example, the pressure regulator apparatus 21 also includes a biasing assembly unit 26 in contact with the inflatable diaphragm unit 12.

[0020] The biasing assembly unit 26, for example, may include a diaphragm cup 27, a cup member 28, and a spring 29 disposed between and in contact with the diaphragm cup 27 and the cup member 28. The pressure regulator apparatus 1 1 may also include a septum 23 configured to removably connect to the external device which is old and well-known. In the present example, the spring 29 is configured to place a predetermined bias pressure in an upward direction on the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 through the diaphragm cup 27. The predetermined bias pressure, for example, may be equal to the predetermined inflatable level. Thus, the interaction between the predetermined bias pressure applied by the spring 29 and the pressure caused by the fluid within the internal chamber 13 of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 allows the fluid to be provided to an image forming apparatus having a substantially constant pressure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the second electrically- conductive member disposed on the diaphragm cup of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 3, in the present example, the second electrically- conductive member 24 has a semi-circle shape and is disposed on a side of the diaphragm cup 27 proximate to a circumference of the diaphragm cup 27. For example, the second electrically-conductive member 24 may be disposed along a portion of the circumference of the diaphragm cup 27. In the present example, the second electrically-conductive member 24 has a flexible end configured to move in and out of electrical contact with the first electrically-conductive member 22, for example, in response to whether the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the non- inflatable state. That is, the flexible end 24a of the second electrically- conductive member 24 is in electrical contact with the first electrically- conductive member 22 when the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the non- inflatable state and the flexible end 24a of the second electrically-conductive member 24 is not in electrical contact with the first electrically-conductive member 22 when the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in one of the inflatable states.

[0022] In another example, the second electrically-conductive member 24 may have an additional flexible end 24b. In the present example, the diaphragm cup 27 includes actuation fins 27a and 27b configured to move the second electrically-conductive member 24 and are disposed proximate to a circumference of a diaphragm cup 27. In the present example, a top portion of the actuation fins 27a and 27b include a curved or slanted surface. One of the actuation fins 27a is proximate to the flexible end 24a of the second electrically- conductive member 24. The actuations fins 27a and 27b extend outward from the diaphragm cup 27. In another example, the diaphragm cup 27 may have one actuator fin 27a to move the second electrically-conductive member 24, for example, in and out of electrical contact with the respective electrically- conductive member. The diaphragm cup 27 may also include a rotational tang 38. The rotational tang 38 is configured to control rotation of the diaphragm cup 27 in order to maintain a proper position of the actuator fins 27a and b relative to the respective electrically-conductive members,

[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of the first electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member of the pressure regulator apparatus of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 4, in the present example, the other end 22b of the first electrically-conductive member 22 extends outward from the other side of the housing 16 opposite to the flexible end 24a of the second electrically-conductive member 24.

[0024] In operation, referring to FIGS. 2-4, when the pressure of the fluid within the internal chamber 13 of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is less than the predetermined bias pressure, the spring 29 moves the diaphragm cup 27 along with the second electrically-conductive member 24 in an upward direction. This allows the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 to come into electrical contact with each other. That is, the flexible end 24a electrically contacts the first electrically-conductive member 22. In the present example, the second electrical member 24 includes a flexible end 24a that is configured to twist when it contacts the other end 22b of the first electrically-conductive member 22 allowing the diaphragm cup 27 to over travel. For example, the other end 22b may contact an off-center position of the flexible end 24a causing the flexible end 24a to twist with respect to the rest of the second electrically-conductive member 24 while remaining in contact with the other end 22b of the first electrically-conductive member 22. Further, the other end 22b may rub against and/or scratch the flexible end 24a to form a reliable electrical contact between the other end 22b of the first electrically- conductive member 22 and the flexible end 24 of the second electrically- conductive member 24.

[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B are electrical diagrams illustrating an electrical circuit representation of the out of fluid detection unit of FIG. 2 in an open state and a closed state, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 5A, the out of fluid detection unit 14 (FIG. 1 ) includes an electrical circuit including a first set of electrically-conductive members having a first electrically-conductive member 22 and a second electrically-conductive member 24 movable with respect to each other. In this example, the electrical circuit also includes the signal generator unit 51 and a signal detection module 52. The first electrically- conductive member 22 and the second electrically-conductive member 24 are disposed downstream from the signal generator unit 51 , and the signal detection module 52 is disposed downstream from the first electrically-conductive member 22 and a second electrically-conductive member 24. The signal generator unit 51 , for example, may include a power supply, or other old and well-known signal generator unit, to supply a signal such as current to components of the electrical circuit. The signal detection module 52 is configured to detect whether a signal is present. The signal detection module 52 may include, for example, conventional digital logic circuitry and/or machine-readable instructions.

[0026] For example, the signal detection module 52 may receive the signal from the signal generator unit 51 that passes through the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 indicating the out of fluid state. FIG. 5A illustrates the electrical circuit in an open state. That is, the first electrically- conductive member 22 is not in electrical contact with the second electrically- conductive member 24. FIG. 5B illustrates the electrical circuit in a closed state. That is, the first electrically-conductive member 22 is in electrical contact with the second electrically-conductive member 24. In the closed state, the signal generated by the signal generator unit 51 provides the signal to the signal detection module 52 through the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 which are in electrical contact with each other. As the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 are in electrical contact with each other in response to the non-inflatable state of the inflatable

diaphragm unit 12, the signal received by the signal detection module 52 corresponds to an out of fluid state.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a pressure regulator apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept, The pressure regulator apparatus 61 Illustrated In FIG. 8 may include to the pressure regulator apparatus 21 illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 2. The out of fluid detection unit 14 (FIG. 1 ) of the pressure regulator apparatus 81 of FIG. 6, further includes a second set of electrically- conductive members. Referring to FIG. 6, the second set of electrically- conductive members includes the second electrically-conductive member 24 as described with respect to FIGS. 2-4 and a third electrically-conductive member 86. In one example, the third electrically-conductive member 86 may include a post such as a tee post as previously described with respect to the first electrically-conductive member 22 (FIG. 2). In this example, the second electrically-conductive member 24 includes two flexible ends 24a and 24b (FIG. 3). For example, the other flexible end 24b may be as described with respect to the flexible end 24a illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The other flexible end 24b is configured to move into and out of electrical contact with the third electrically- conductive member 68, for example, in response to whether the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is in the non-inflatable state.

[0028] In operation, referring to FiGS. 3, 6 and 7, when the pressure of the fluid within the internal chamber 13 of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12 is less than the predetermined bias pressure, the spring 29 moves the diaphragm cup 27 along with the second electrically-conductive member 24 in an upward direction to allow the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24 to come into electrical contact with each other and the third and second electrically-conductive members 68 and 24 to come into electrical contact with each other. That is, the flexible end 24a electrically contacts the first

electrically-conductive member 22 and the other flexible end 24b electrically contacts the third electrically-conductive member 66. In the present example, the second electrical member 24 includes flexible ends 24a and 24b that are configured to twist when they contact the respective ends 22b and 68b of the respective electrically-conductive members 22 and 86 allowing the diaphragm cup 27 to over travel. For example, each of the ends 22b and 66b may contact an off-center position of the respective flexible ends 24a and 24b causing the flexible ends 24a and 24b to twist with respect to the rest of the second electrically-conductive member 24 while remaining in contact with the respective ends 22b and 88b of the respective electrically-conductive members 22 and 68. Further, the ends 22b and 66b may rub against and/or scratch the respective flexible ends 24a and 24b to form a reliable electrical contact therebetween.

[0029] FIGS. 8A and 8B are electrical diagrams illustrating an electrical circuit representation of the out of a fluid detection unit in an open state and a closed state, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 8A, the out of fluid detection unit 14 (FIG. 1 ) includes an electrical circuit including a first set of electrically-conductive members and a second set of electrically-conductive members. The first set of electrically-conductive members includes a first electricaliy-conductive member 22 and a second electricaily-conductive member 24 movable with respect to each other. The second set of electrically- conductive members includes a third electrically-conductive member 66 and the second electrically-conductive member 24 movable with respect to each other. In this example, the electrical circuit also includes the signal generator unit 51 and the signal detection module 52 as previously described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Also, the first, second and third electrically-conductive members 22, 24 and 66 are disposed downstream from the signal generator unit 51 , and the signal detection module 52 is disposed downstream from the first, second and third electrically-conductive members 22, 24 and 66.

[0030] FIG. 8A illustrates the electrical circuit in an open state. That is, the first electrically-conductive member 22 and a third electrically-conductive member 68 are not in electrical contact with the second electrically-conductive member 24 at a same time. FIG. 8B illustrates the electrical circuit in a closed state. That is, the first electrically-conductive member 22 and the third electrically-conductive member 68 are in electrical contact with the second electrically-conductive member 24 at a same time. In the closed state, the signal generated by the signal generator unit 51 provides the signal to the signal detection module 52 through the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24, as well as the second and third electrically-conductive members 22 and 68, which are in electrical contact with each other. As the first and second electrically-conductive members 22 and 24, and the second and third electrically-conductive members 22 and 66, are in electrical contact with each other in response to the non-inflatable state of the inflatable diaphragm unit 12, the signal received by the signal detection module 52 corresponds to an out of fluid state.

[0031] The present general inventive concept has been described using non-limiting detailed descriptions of example embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the general inventive concept. It should be understood that features and/or operations described with respect to one embodiment may be used with other embodiments and that not all embodiments of the general inventive concept have all of the features and/or operations illustrated in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the embodiments. Variations of embodiments described will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," "have" and their conjugates, shall mean, when used in the disclosure and/or claims, "including but not necessarily limited to."

[0032] It is noted that some of the above described embodiments may describe the best mode contemplated by the inventors and therefore may include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be essential to the general inventive concept and which are described as examples.

Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents, which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as known in the art. Therefore, the scope of the general inventive concept is limited only by the elements and limitations as used in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A pressure regulator apparatus usable with an aerosol supply device containing a fluid, the pressure regulator apparatus comprising:

a housing;

an inflatable diaphragm unit disposed within the housing and configured to regulate a pressure of the fluid to be transported from the inflatable

diaphragm unit substantially constant, the inflatable diaphragm unit configured to move between one or more inflatable states and a non-inflatable state; and an out of fluid detection unit disposed proximate to the inflatable diaphragm unit and configured to detect an out of fluid state when the inflatable diaphragm unit moves to the non-inflatable state,

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the out of fluid detection unit comprises:

an electrical circuit including a first set of electrically-conductive members having a first electrically-conductive member and a second electrically- conductive member movable with respect to each other, wherein the electrical circuit is in a closed state when the first electrically-conductive member electrically contacts the second electrically-conductive member and the electrical circuit is in an open state when first electrically-conductive member does not electrically contact the second electrically-conductive member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the out of fluid detection unit detects the out of fluid state when the electrical circuit is in at least one of the open state and the closed state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:

a biasing assembly unit in contact with the inflatable diaphragm unit, the biasing assembly unit including a diaphragm cup, a cup member, and a spring disposed between and in contact with the diaphragm cup and the cup member, wherein the spring is configured to place a predetermined bias pressure in an upward direction on the inflatable diaphragm unit through the diaphragm cup.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first electrically- conductive member comprises:

a post connected to a portion of the housing and extending outward therefrom.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second electrically- conductive member has a semi-circle shape and is disposed on a side of the diaphragm cup along a portion of a circumference thereof, the second electrically-conductive members has a flexible end configured to move into and out of contact with the first electrically-conductive member,

respectively, in response to whether the inflatable diaphragm unit is in the non- inflatable state.

7. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the side of the diaphragm cup comprises:

a plurality of actuation fins disposed along the circumference of the side of the diaphragm cup and extending outward therefrom, wherein the plurality of actuation fins are configured to move the second electrically-conductive member in and out of electrical contact with the first electrically-conductive member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises ink and the aerosol supply device is an ink container configured to supply the ink to an image forming apparatus.

9. A pressure regulator apparatus usable with an aerosol supply device containing a fluid, the pressure regulator apparatus comprising:

a housing; an inflatable diaphragm unit disposed within the housing and configured to regulate a pressure of the fluid to be transported from the inflatable

diaphragm unit substantially constant, the inflatable diaphragm configured to move between one or more inflatable states and a non-inflatable state; and

an electrical circuit including a first set of electrically-conductive members and a second set of electrically-conductive members;

the first set of electrically-conductive members having a first electrically-conductive member and a second electrically-conductive member movable with respect to each other; and

the second set of electrically-conductive members having a third electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member movable with respect to each other; and

wherein the electrical circuit is in a closed state when the first electrically- conductive member and the third electrically-conductive member electrically contact the second electrically-conductive member, and the electrical circuit is in an open state when the first electrically-conductive member and the third electrically-conductive member do not electrically contact the second

electrically-conductive member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and third electrically-conductive member each comprise:

a post connected to a portion of the housing and extending outward therefrom.

1 1 . The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the second electrically- conductive member has a semi-circle shape and is disposed on a side of the diaphragm cup along a portion of a circumference thereof, the second electrically-conductive members has two flexible ends configured to move into and out of electrical contact with the first and third electrically- conductive member, respectively, in response to whether the inflatable diaphragm unit is in the non-inflatable state.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the side of the diaphragm cup comprises:

a plurality of actuation fins disposed along the circumference of the side of the diaphragm cup and extending outward therefrom, wherein the plurality of actuation fins are configured to move the second electrically-conductive member in and out of electrical contact with the first and third electrically- conductive member.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the flexible ends are configured to twist when in contact with the respective first and third electrically- conductive members.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a top portion of the actuation fins comprise a curved surface.