Foot-Pump Power Source Layout for Stable Portable Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot and hand-operated electrical power supplies are compromised by reliability, efficiency, and portability due to the need for heavy frames to protect delicate components and sprawling configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact foot pump operated power source with a frame design that positions the compressed air cannister beneath the foot pump, positions the electrical power assembly in front, and extends to protect components from compressive loads, using an axial air turbine assembly for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong frame is used to protect delicate components (air turbine assembly, gear train, electrical sockets, pressure gauges) from compressive forces during pumping, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delicate components (air turbine assembly, gear train, electrical sockets, pressure gauges) from the direct path of compressive forces by positioning them in front of the foot pump rather than beneath it. This spatial separation allows the frame to be lighter while still protecting these components, as they are no longer in the primary load-bearing zone during pumping operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the compressed air reservoir is positioned to one side of the foot pump and generator housing, then ease of assembly is improved, but portability deteriorates due to sprawling configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressed air reservoir with the generator housing by positioning the reservoir directly above the generator. This vertical integration creates a compact, space-efficient configuration that reduces the overall footprint of the device while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized mounting interfaces.
3Productivity
If a foot pump is used instead of a hand-crank, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a foot pump to generate compressed air, which then drives an air turbine connected to the generator. This pneumatic intermediary simplifies the mechanical transmission system compared to direct foot-pump-to-generator coupling, as the compressed air acts as a flexible energy storage and transmission medium that can accommodate variations in pumping rate and generator load.
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
Enhances stability, efficiency, and portability by stabilizing the power source during operation and protecting delicate components, while reducing the need for heavy materials and minimizing the risk of missteps.
Implementation Method 1
an axial air turbine assembly having a two-stage turbine which is much preferred for its higher efficiency in converting the flow of compressed air into mechanical energy that drives the electrical generator
Implementation Method 2
a foot pump that generates compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
A portable auxiliary electrical power source is provided having a foot pump that generates compressed air, a frame that supports the foot pump over a floor, and a compressed air cannister that receives, stores, and releases compressed air generated by the foot pump to an electrical power assembly including an air turbine assembly. A control valve controls compressed air from the air cannister to the air turbine assembly, and an electrical generator is mechanically connected to a drive shaft of the air turbine via a gear train. The air cannister is centrally disposed directly beneath the foot pump and forms a load-bearing portion of the frame to minimize the need for frame material, and to provide a compact and stable configuration. The electrical power assembly is positioned in front of the foot pump and under a frame extension to protect it from compressive forces applied to the foot pump. A two-stage axial air turbine is used in the air turbine assembly.