Bicycle Inner Tube Valve With Ball Check Coupling for Leak-Safe Inflation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pneumatic valve systems for tires are difficult to attach and maintain, prone to leaks, and often result in inaccurate pressure readings, leading to reduced tire life and increased discomfort during inflation.

Innovation Solution

A novel valve system with a miniature ball check valve mechanism and inflation pin, allowing for a smooth axial attachment of the valve coupler to the stem without the need for external locking mechanisms, and featuring a ball and groove retaining mechanism for easy actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional pneumatic valve systems (Schrader, Presta, Dunlop) are used, then air pressure can be increased in tires, but the valve coupling is difficult to attach and maintain, requiring two hands and considerable finger strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of valve attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex locking lever mechanism from the valve system. The valve stem is designed with a simple openable valve body that allows direct attachment of the pump head without requiring separate locking components, thereby extracting the unnecessary complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system is divided into distinct functional components: a valve stem with valve body, a valve coupler, and a pump head. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the valve body providing a simple attachment interface that eliminates the need for integrated locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional valve systems are used, then tires can be inflated, but leaks occur due to poor sealing on the valve stem

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of maintaining seal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is designed to automatically maintain its seal through the natural pressure differential during inflation. The simple openable valve body structure self-regulates the sealing contact, eliminating the need for additional sealing mechanisms or user intervention to maintain the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional valve couplings are used, then air can be pumped into tires, but inaccurate pressure readings result due to poor coupling with pressure gauges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of pressure readingVSAvoidconsistency of coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve coupler is designed with a universal interface that serves multiple functions: it seals the valve stem, connects to pump heads, and interfaces with pressure gauges. This multi-functional design ensures consistent and accurate coupling for both inflation and measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If Schrader valve pump-heads are used, then high instantaneous output pressures can be generated, but the pump-head pops off due to internal pressure forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput pressure of pumpVSAvoidstability of pump-head attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a locking mechanism to prevent the pump head from popping off, the design inverts the approach by creating a pressure-resistant interface where the valve body and coupler work together to maintain attachment through the pressure cycle, allowing the pump head to remain securely attached without active locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Provides a mechanically reliable, ergonomic, and efficient inflation process that reduces the need for two-handed operation, minimizes leaks, and accommodates various flow rates and tire sizes, making it suitable for users with physical limitations.

Implementation Method 1

a collar having at least one ball bearing inwardly biased by an elastic bearing sleeve for attaching to a valve stem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing mechanism: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

an elastic bearing sleeve for attaching to a valve stem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12578027B2Bicycle tire inner tube with pneumatic valve

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CLIK CORP

AI summary

An inner tube for a bicycle tire is provided. The inner tube includes a vessel and a valve stem. The valve stem is coupled to the vessel and a end having a fastener, the end having a first opening having a first diameter. A cap is coupled to the fastener and has a pin passage with a second diameter. The cap has a concavity on an outer diameter. A circular seal is disposed between the cap and the second end, the seal having a second hole having a third diameter that fluidly couples the first opening and the pin passage, the third diameter being smaller than the pin passage. A biasing member is disposed within the first hole. A sealing member is movably disposed within the first opening and is biased against the seal by the biasing member.