Air Compressor Pressure Indicator with Tapered Bore and Linear Vent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure indicators for air compressors are prone to damage and inaccuracy due to precision components, and they fail to effectively release excessive air during pressure surges, often getting blocked by dust and dirt, leading to potential over-inflation of objects.
Innovation Solution
A pressure indicator with a tube and slider design featuring a tapered annular surface and elongated opening, allowing for the release of excess air without a mechanical safety valve, enabling precise pressure measurement and prevention of over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure display device with a tube and elongated bar is used to measure compressed air pressure, then the pressure can be measured without a Bourdon tube, but the pressure escaping hole is too small to release air effectively during pressure surges and is prone to blockage by dust and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the pressure release mechanism from a point-hole geometry to a linear-slot geometry. The elongated opening extends along the longitudinal axis of the tube, providing a larger effective area for air release while maintaining structural simplicity. This dimensional change from circular to linear geometry allows effective pressure surge relief without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated opening is divided into multiple segments by partition walls that extend from the tube wall toward the center. These partition walls create multiple narrow channels within the elongated opening, which reduces dust accumulation and blockage while maintaining overall air release capability. The segmented structure allows air to escape through multiple paths simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If an elongated bar is inserted into a locking groove of the push block and through a hole of a sleeve to measure pressure, then pressure can be indicated, but vibration causes the elongated bar to shift position, increasing friction and enlarging the sleeve hole, making the bar easy to vibrate and potentially remove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the elongated bar and sleeve components entirely from the pressure indication mechanism. Instead, it uses a pointer attached to the push block that directly indicates pressure on a scale. This extraction of problematic components eliminates the vibration, friction, and loosening issues while maintaining accurate pressure indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer is merged with the push block, forming a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate connection elements like the elongated bar and sleeve, reducing the number of potential failure points. The pointer is directly driven by the push block movement, ensuring stable and accurate indication without relative motion between separate parts.
3Measurement precision
If a tube and ruler are used in the pressure display device, then pressure can be measured, but they occupy a significant length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the scale from a longitudinal arrangement along the tube axis to a circumferential arrangement around the tube. The scale is disposed on the outer surface of the tube in a circular pattern, allowing the pointer to indicate pressure by rotating around the tube rather than requiring linear extension. This transforms the device from a linear to a radial geometry, significantly reducing overall length while maintaining measurement precision.
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 pressure indicator provides accurate pressure measurement and effective release of excess air, preventing over-inflation without mechanical safety valves, while being robust against damage and blockages.
Implementation Method 1
a slider (5) capable of moving along first and second bores (20, 30) of the tube (1), wherein the motion of the slider (5) in the tube (1) is similar to the motion of a piston body in a cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the tube (1) is provided with a tapered annular surface (10) between the first and second bores (20, 30) thereof and defines an elongated opening (23)... when the pressure of the compressed air exceeds a predetermined pressure, the compressed air can be released into the ambient environment by way of the elongated opening (23)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pressure indicator, which can be detachably connected to an air compressor for measuring the pressure of compressed air produced in the air compressor, includes a tube and a slider. The slider can be moved along a first bore and a second bore of the tube. The motion of the slider in the tube is similar to the motion of a piston body in a cylinder. The tube is provided with a tapered annular surface, between the first bore and the second bore, and defines an elongated opening. In addition, when the pressure of the compressed air exceeds a predetermined pressure, excessive air can be released into the ambient environment, without using a mechanical safety valve, so that an object can be prevented from over-inflation.