Bicycle Pump Magnetic Hose Connection and Handle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle tire pumps with flexible hoses are cumbersome to use and store, requiring multiple connections and often result in low comfort due to the need for hose bending and handling, and there is a risk of the handle opening inadvertently.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pump design featuring a magnetic connection system for the flexible hose assembly to the head assembly, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and a pivoting handle for improved ergonomics and secure storage, reducing the need for multiple threads and rubber caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible hose assembly is stored inside the telescoping tubes and screwed into place, then the pump is more compact and easier to carry, but the user must unthread and thread six connections to inflate a tire and get the pump ready for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with a magnetic connection system. The flexible hose assembly connects to the pump body through magnetic attraction rather than threaded connections, eliminating the need to unscrew and screw multiple connections during inflation and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the threading mechanism from the connection system, removing the need for threaded connections between the flexible hose assembly and the pump body. This allows the hose to be quickly attached and detached through magnetic connection alone, significantly reducing the number of connection steps required.
2Reliability
If a rubber ring is provided to frictionally hold the handle closed for storage, then the handle is prevented from inadvertently opening, but the user must slide the rubber ring out of position for pumping and back into position for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubber ring friction-based locking system with a magnetic locking system. The handle assembly is held closed through magnetic attraction between magnetic elements in the handle and corresponding magnetic elements in the pump body, eliminating the need for a rubber ring that must be manually positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking system provides automatic engagement and holding of the handle in the closed position without requiring user intervention to position a rubber ring. The magnetic force automatically maintains the handle in the correct position during storage and allows easy opening during use.
3Device complexity
If the hose is connected in-line with the pump, then the hose bends about 90° for pumping, but this results in low comfort of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the connection between the flexible hose assembly and the pump body dynamic and flexible through magnetic connection, allowing the hose to be positioned at various angles and orientations during pumping operations. The magnetic connection maintains secure attachment while permitting the hose to naturally bend and position itself for optimal user comfort rather than forcing a fixed 90° bend.
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
Enhances user comfort and convenience by simplifying the inflation process, reducing the risk of handle opening during storage, and providing a more efficient and secure method for storing and using the pump.
Implementation Method 1
The pump includes a magnetic connection means for connecting the flexible hose assembly to the air outlet opening of the head assembly in a removable manner
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle pump (10;400), comprising a pump body assembly (12;402) including an outer tube (20;470), defining an air chamber (24;472), and a head assembly (22;620) with an air outlet opening (52;562), a handle assembly (70;580), slidably associated with the body assembly (12;402), and including a piston (60;570), the piston (60;570) including and inner tube (280) slidable inside the outer tube (20;470), a flexible hose assembly (30;610) suitable to be stored inside the inner tube (280) when the pump (10;400) is not in use, and suitable to be connected to the air outlet opening (52;562) during pumping, and a magnet (110;550) for connecting the flexible hose assembly (30;610) to the air outlet opening (52;652) of the head assembly (22;620) in a removable manner.