Elastic Band Tire Pump Coupling for Valve Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure increase devices require cumbersome coupling mechanisms and additional accessories, making them inefficient and cumbersome to use across different valve types, especially requiring manual effort and complex equipment.

Innovation Solution

A device with an elastic band that positions around the tire to secure a pump nipple to the valve, providing an airtight seal without manual effort, suitable for all valve types, including those with reducing valves, and featuring a recess with a tapering inner wall and compressible material for secure fitting, allowing easy manufacturing and reduced weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rubber compression mechanism or clamp is used to couple the pump nipple to the valve, then an airtight seal can be achieved, but the device complexity and manual effort required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairtight sealVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band automatically secures the pump nipple to the valve without requiring manual operation of clamps or compression mechanisms. The band self-adjusts to maintain an airtight seal through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex manually-operated coupling devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems (clamps, lever-operated compression mechanisms) with a simple elastic band that uses elastic force instead of mechanical fastening. This substitution dramatically simplifies the device while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a clamp or special coupling device is used for Dunlop- or Blitz-type valves, then secure coupling is achieved, but the ease of operation and portability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidease of coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band automatically secures the pump nipple to various valve types without requiring the user to manually operate clamps or adjust coupling mechanisms. The band self-adjusts to accommodate different valve types (Presta, Schrader, Dunlop, Blitz) while maintaining secure coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band design provides universal compatibility with multiple valve types without requiring different coupling mechanisms. A single device configuration can secure various valve types, eliminating the need for type-specific clamps or adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If complex coupling mechanisms are used to secure the pump nipple, then reliable coupling is achieved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band provides reliable coupling through its inherent elastic properties without requiring additional heavy components. The band self-adjusts to maintain secure attachment, eliminating the need for weighty mechanical fastening systems while preserving coupling reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach uses a low-cost, simple component instead of expensive, complex mechanical coupling systems, reducing both weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables effortless and airtight coupling of the pump nipple to the valve, reducing manual effort and equipment complexity, accommodating various valve sizes, and ensuring efficient tire inflation with minimal weight and cost.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic band (4) coupled to a body (2) of the device, the band (4) being embodied for positioning around the tire under elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The inner wall of the recess may be covered with a compressible material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3489045B1A device for coupling a tire pump to a valve of a tire, a set of the device and pump nipples and a method for increasing the pressure in a tire
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 N VERHOEVEN HLDG BV
  • EP3489045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3489045B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3489045B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for coupling a tire pump to a valve of a tire and for providing a fluid flow path from said pump to said valve, comprising a pump nipple for covering said valve. The device comprises an elastic band coupled to a body of said device, said band being embodied for positioning around said tire under elastic force. A preferred embodiment comprises a set of device and at least two pump nipples for use with the device. The invention also relates to a method of inflating a tire.