Bike Tire Pump Chuck Screw Thread Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump chucks for inflating bicycle tires are difficult to use due to the need for significant lever force to compress rubber seals, leading to air leaks and improper inflation, especially when the tire is flat.
Innovation Solution
A pump chuck design featuring a pivot clip with matching threads that easily attaches to the valve stem, using a compression spring to secure the stem with minimal effort, and is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam and lever mechanism is used to compress a rubber seal against the valve stem, then an air-tight seal can be achieved, but significant lever force is required making it hard to attach the chuck to the valve stem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cam and lever mechanical system with a screw thread mechanism. The screw threads engage with the valve stem and, when rotated, directly compress the rubber seal against the valve stem opening. This substitution maintains the air-tight sealing function while eliminating the need for a cam lever, significantly reducing the effort required for attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rubber seal as an intermediary element between the chuck body and the valve stem. The screw threads compress this rubber seal, which then creates the air-tight seal against the valve stem opening. This intermediary allows for a reliable seal while using a simpler screw mechanism rather than a complex cam and lever system.
2Reliability
If a tight seal clearance is used to prevent air leaks, then sealing reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to insert the chuck onto the valve stem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the chuck with a leading edge or insertion tip that preliminarily guides the chuck onto the valve stem before the screw threads engage. This preliminary action allows the chuck to be easily inserted onto the valve stem without difficulty, and only after proper positioning do the screw threads engage to compress the seal and create the air-tight connection.
3Stress or pressure
If a cam lever is used to compress the seal, then adequate sealing force can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to actuate the cam lever due to the large force required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cam lever mechanism with a screw thread mechanism. The screw threads provide mechanical advantage through their geometry, allowing the user to generate substantial compressive force on the rubber seal by simply rotating the chuck body or a dedicated screw element. This eliminates the need to actuate a cam lever with large forces while maintaining adequate sealing pressure.
4Reliability
If significant lever force is applied to compress the collar, then the valve stem can be engaged and sealed, but the device becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lever-based compression mechanism with a screw thread-based compression mechanism. The screw threads convert rotational motion into linear compressive force, providing mechanical advantage that allows the user to engage and seal the valve stem with minimal effort. The user simply needs to rotate the chuck body or screw element, and the threads automatically generate the necessary compressive force to seal the valve stem securely.
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
The design ensures a tight seal with reduced effort, easy attachment to flat tires, and compatibility with various valve types, making it economical and reliable for use.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned in the chamber to engage and secure the valve stem in the chuck
Implementation Method 2
a rubber seal positioned in the first bore and formed into an air tight seal when the valve stem is inserted into the chuck and pushed against the rubber seal
Data Source
AI summary
A pump chuck for connection with a valve stem of a tire valve is disclosed. The pump chuck comprises a body having a first bore, a second bore, a third bore and a passageway connecting the first bore and the third bore therethrough, a pivot clip pivotally mounted on the body and having a plurality of threads on one end and a depression on a bottom surface, a spring compressed between the pivot clip and the body, a rubber seal housed inside the first bore of the body, an end cap mounted on the top surface of the body above the first bore, and a connector housed inside the third bore of the body to connect a hose from a tire pump. The contact of the rubber seal against the valve stem affects an air tight seal.