Inflating toys: techniques to control inflation speed and popping.

klaeresource kindly pointed out some problems using shop vacs and inflators, mainly they’re hard to control how fast they inflate something and can explode expensive costumes and toys [some of us find the last a bonus. =D].  I’ve come up with some things to give better control over using a shop vac or other inflation devices.  Mind you, I love making things so my approach is to make something rather than buy.

Too fast inflation is easily controlled.  You can get valves.  But they’re expensive in the sizes you would need for a inflation system using vacuum hoses. [Yes, my bias is showing].  Crude valves can be made by adding a section of soft hose to your existing hose and compressing the soft section.   A restrictor made of smaller diameter tubing will slow inflation as will inserting and *gluing* a disc with a hole in it in the path from the compressor to the nozzle.  The size of the tube / hole will determine the speed of inflation,  Note; don’t put restrictors or valves be between the bursting disc t-connector below and your expensive toy or suit.  It’ll ruin the usefulness of the t-connector .

If you really have money, a Variac http://www.mcmaster.com/#variacs/=dvn15l will allow you to directly control the speed of a inflation device and there by it’s output.   Be aware the electric motor might be damaged by doing this.

Exploding [over-pressure] while inflating can be handled with what amounts to rupture discs on a t-connector.  I’d use this with any inflation setup if you have expensive or favorite inflatables.  Get a plastic t-connecter as big as you can buy from the hardware store, any connectors to make it fit your hoses and the glue that goes with the plastic.  You will probably need something like silicone RTV or epoxy to make everything fit and air tight.  Adding a ridge of silicone or epoxy around the outside of the t-connector that has the wrap on it will help it hold pressure. Cover the open end with food wrap and secure it with rubber bands.  Either the plastic wrap with blow out or blow off the end when the pressure gets too high.  Put the t-connector in your hose as near your inflatable item as convenient.  The further down the hose the t-connector is from your suit or toy, the slower it will be to react to over-pressure spikes.  Experiment with layers of wrap and rubber bands until it works reliably for you.  Note; rough sex play with a toy or suit should and will blow out the cover on the t-connector.  Hopefully this could save your expensive suit from bursting when your lover jumps on you.  No guarantees though.  Feeding a expensive suit through a tiny hose / tiny nipple won’t allow enough air to be released to avoid bursting.  Bigger is better.  A big opening intended to stick a vacuum hose into is best.    Added bonus, if the wrap on the t-connector blows out, it'll make a bang noise which some people like.  And your toy can be used again.

I’ve played around with low-pressure blow-out panels for inflatable vinyl objects.  They look a bit like the drop seat in a pair long underwear.   For sealing them, I’m not satisfied with Velcro as it won’t blow out reliably unless you ‘age’ it.  Then it rapidly wears out.  The Velcro seal leaks so the suit has to be constantly pumped to maintain shape.  Magnetic tape seems to work pretty well.  It can seal if you design the panel carefully.  But its very stiff and has to be tested to make sure it’s not too strong or your toy/suit will explode while the panel stays firmly in place.  I had that happen with brand new Velcro.  The blow-out panel remained in place while the 4’ diameter beach ball exploded.  I learned to test panel designs using a 5 gal paint bucket in place of the inflatable toy when testing new designs.   For lots of ideas for blow-out panels, look up images of stunt air bags.