Elastic Plate Pressure Indicator for Inflation Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bourdon tube type mechanical pressure gauges are costly due to precise and fragile components, prone to measurement inaccuracies from temperature and humidity changes, and require high machining precision, leading to manufacturing complexities and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure indication device with a linearly movable plate and an elastic element, where the elastic force drives the plate's movement along a scale bar, allowing precise pressure measurement without the need for expensive conventional gauges, using a piston cylinder with two outlet openings connected to conveyance tubes for air pressure transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Bourdon tube type mechanical pressure gauge is used, then pressure measurement function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to precise and fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential pressure measurement function from the complex Bourdon tube mechanism and implements it through a simplified elastic element system. The elastic element directly converts pressure into linear displacement of the plate, eliminating the need for Bourdon tube, gear trains, and other complex mechanical components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical Bourdon tube expansion mechanism with an elastic element-based linear displacement system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmissions (gear trains, pull bars) and uses direct elastic deformation to drive the indicator plate, simplifying the mechanical system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If Bourdon tube and returning spring are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature and humidity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple elastic element that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than precision Bourdon tubes and returning springs that are sensitive to environmental conditions. The elastic element's simple construction makes it less susceptible to temperature and humidity effects, improving measurement stability.
3Ease of operation
If gear trains with precise mating engagement are used, then transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high machining precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transmission function from the gear train system and implements it through direct linear movement of the plate driven by the elastic element. This eliminates the need for precise mating gear teeth and complex mechanical transmissions, significantly reducing machining precision requirements and manufacturing cost.
4Measurement precision
If conventional pressure gauge components are used, then pressure indication is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple precise components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (pressure sensing, force conversion, indicator movement) into a single integrated elastic element system. The elastic element simultaneously serves as the pressure sensor, force converter, and drive mechanism for the indicator plate, eliminating the need for separate Bourdon tube, returning spring, and gear train components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element performs multiple functions: it senses pressure, converts pressure to mechanical force, and drives the indicator plate movement. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized components (Bourdon tube for sensing, returning spring for restoration, gear trains for transmission) with a single universal element.
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 precise and cost-effective measurement of air pressure within the inflation mechanism, reducing manufacturing complexities and minimizing the impact of environmental factors on measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (16), wherein an elastic force of compression of the elastic element (16) is used to serve as a reaction force (restoration returning force) for linear movement of the plate (15)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure is induced in the air compartment so that the moving distance of the plate is indicative of the pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure indication device is provided to connect to an inflation mechanism of an inflation machine. The pressure indication device includes a linearly movable plate and an elastic element. A scale bar having graduations is provided along a moving path of the plate. The elastic force of compression of the elastic element serves as a reaction force (restoration and returning force) for the linear movement of the plate. Correspondingly, a pressure is induced in an air compartment of the inflation mechanism the so that the moving distance of the plate is indicative of the pressure level and thus precise measurement of pressure can be realized.