Dual-Chamber Pump with Segmented Valves for Multi-Pressure Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps are inadequate as they provide only two pressures, are complex and expensive to assemble, prone to leaks, and lack user convenience due to inadequate foot treads, making them insufficient for pumping various tires and cushions.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring a base with two chambers of different diameters, check valves, and movable pistons, along with a control device that allows for three modes of operation, ensuring air-tightness and ease of assembly, and incorporating treads for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic cylinders are assembled to provide multiple pressures, then pressure versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two independent single-acting cylinders instead of one telescopic multi-cylinder system. Each cylinder operates independently with its own piston, check valve, and venting mechanism, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability to provide multiple pressure levels through selective operation of each cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cylinder is designed as a universal single-acting unit that can independently perform pumping and venting functions. The control device provides universal control over both cylinders, enabling three distinct pumping modes (first cylinder only, second cylinder only, or both together) without requiring complex telescopic mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic cylinders are assembled to provide multiple pressures, then pressure versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the telescopic cylinder into two independent single-acting cylinders, the patent eliminates the multiple telescopic joints and seals that are prone to leaking. Each independent cylinder has fewer sealing surfaces, and the independent check valves and venting mechanisms reduce the risk of system-wide leaks while maintaining pressure versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pump design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability deteriorates as only two pressures are provided which is not enough for various tires and cushions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two simple single-acting pump cylinders into one integrated system with a common base, pump chamber, and control mechanism. This combination maintains the manufacturing simplicity of individual single-acting cylinders while achieving adaptability for multiple pressure requirements through coordinated operation of both cylinders in three different modes.
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 pump effectively supports three pressure modes for diverse tire and cushion inflation, is cost-effective to assemble, leak-resistant, and user-friendly with integrated treads for secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
A first check valve only allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
A second check valve allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the second chamber
Implementation Method 3
A control device prevents the venting of air from the chambers in a first mode
Implementation Method 4
vents air from the second chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a second mode
Implementation Method 5
vents air from the first chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a third mode
Data Source
AI summary
A pump includes a base and a cylinder installed on the base. The base defines a pumping channel. The cylinder defines a first chamber and a second chamber with a diameter different from that of the first chamber. The first and second chambers are in communication with the pumping channel. A first check valve only allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the first chamber. A second check valve allows air to travel into the pumping channel from the second chamber. A first piston is movable in the first chamber. A second piston is movable in the second chamber. A control device prevents the venting of air from the chambers in a first mode, vents air from the second chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a second mode, and vents air from the first chamber without traveling through the pumping channel in a third mode.