Air Compressor Removable Tank Connection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air compressors for construction sites are inefficient due to the fixed connection of main and extension tanks, which results in unnecessary weight and space occupation, especially in limited workspaces, as they cannot be easily separated or adjusted according to the required air capacity.

Innovation Solution

An air compressor design featuring a main tank, an extension tank, a removably connected pipeline, and a fastening unit with a shock-absorbing member that allows easy attachment and detachment of the extension tank, using a flexible hose for the connection pipeline and a fastening unit with a box-shaped engaging mechanism for secure and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the main tank and extension tank are fixedly connected with a metal pipe to prevent air leakage, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the user cannot freely connect or disconnect the tanks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of connection and disconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air compressor system is divided into separable modules: the main tank and extension tank can be independently connected or disconnected. The connection pipeline is designed as a detachable component with coupling mechanisms, allowing the system to be segmented into transportable units while maintaining functional integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a fixed, static connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The coupling mechanism allows the connection state to change between connected and disconnected based on operational needs, enabling the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being locked in a fixed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If five tanks are always used in a set to ensure sufficient air capacity for large work areas, then adaptability to different work conditions is improved, but weight increases all the time even for sites with small air consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different work conditionsVSAvoidtotal weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tank system is segmented into a main tank and detachable extension tanks, allowing the user to carry only the necessary components to the worksite. For small projects, only the lightweight main tank needs to be transported. For larger projects requiring more air capacity, extension tanks can be attached at the site, avoiding the need to always transport the full five-tank configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system configuration is made dynamic and adjustable based on project requirements. Users can adapt the system by adding or removing extension tanks according to the specific air consumption needs of each job site, rather than being constrained to a fixed five-tank configuration for all situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If the main body of the air compressor includes five tanks connected together, then air storage capacity is improved for large work areas, but the occupying place and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair storage capacityVSAvoidoccupying place
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The air storage system is segmented into a compact main tank and separate extension tanks that can be detached. When only the main tank is used, the occupying space is minimized. Extension tanks can be added at the worksite when more air capacity is needed, allowing the system to scale its physical footprint according to actual requirements rather than always occupying the space of a five-tank configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a metal pipe is used to connect tanks to prevent air leakage, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases because the connection cannot be easily removed or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into standardized coupling components that interface between the main tank and extension tanks. These couplings use simple, repeatable connection mechanisms (such as bayonet-style or threaded connections) that maintain sealing reliability while allowing easy assembly and disassembly, avoiding the complexity of permanent welds or complex fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design allows for flexible adjustment of air capacity based on site needs, simplifies replacement work, enhances handling and procurement efficiency, reduces weight and space occupation, and provides effective noise and vibration absorption.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorbing member surrounding the attachment member. The shock absorbing member is used as a leg portion of a main body of the air compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11193477B2Air compressor
Publication Date: 2021.12.07 MAX CO LTD
  • US11193477B2 patent drawing
  • US11193477B2 patent drawing
  • US11193477B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An air compressor includes a compression machine configured to generate compression air, a main tank configured to store therein the compression air, an extension tank configured to store therein the compression air, a connection pipeline provided between the main tank and the extension tank to be removably inserted thereto, and a fastening unit configured to releasably connect the main tank and the extension tank with each other.