Automatic Inflatable Repair Kit with Sensor-Controlled Selector Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tyre repair and inflation kits often result in wastage of sealing fluid due to accidental operation of the compressor unit.

Innovation Solution

An automatic kit with a sensor-controlled selector valve that connects the compressor unit to either fluid line based on the connection status of the hose to the tyre, preventing unnecessary activation and ensuring the sealing fluid is only used when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the compressor unit is manually operated, then the user has control over when to use the sealing fluid, but accidental operation may occur resulting in wastage of sealing fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidsealing fluid wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the hose is connected to the tyre through sensor 46 and autonomously activates the compressor unit without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates accidental operation while ensuring the sealing fluid is used only when actually needed for repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor 46 provides feedback about the connection status of the hose to the tyre, which is processed by control unit 32 to determine when to activate the compressor unit. This feedback loop ensures the system responds only to actual repair needs, preventing wastage of sealing fluid through accidental activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If a sensor-controlled automatic system is implemented, then sealing fluid wastage is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing fluid wastage preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensor 46 acts as an intermediary element that detects hose connection to the tyre and transmits this information to control unit 32. This simple intermediary mechanism enables automatic control without requiring complex systems, achieving wastage prevention through a straightforward sensing and response approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of the compressor unit is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensor input to trigger compressor activation. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while preventing accidental operation, achieving waste prevention through electronic automation rather than mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8251105B2Automatic kit, with a selector valve, for repairing and inflating inflatable articles

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 TEK GLOBAL SRL

AI summary

A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a compressor unit for producing compressed air; a container containing sealing fluid injectable into the inflatable article by means of a stream of compressed air from the compressor unit; a fluid line designed to connect the compressor unit to the inflatable article; and a sensor for determining a connection status to the inflatable article.