Inflator With Foldable Handle And Integrated Container Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflators for recreational use lack integrated features that enhance portability and multifunctionality, such as container holders and a bottle opener, which limits their utility in camping and similar environments.
Innovation Solution
An inflator with an integrated compressor, foldable carry handle, and container holders, along with a built-in pressure gauge and bottle opener, providing enhanced portability and versatility by allowing safe storage and opening of beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inflators are used for recreational applications, then the basic inflation function is provided, but portability and multifunctionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single inflator device: the compressor unit integrates container holders into its housing structure, the carry handle is folded and integrated into the housing, and a bottle opener is incorporated into the handle assembly. This merging of functions allows the device to serve as an inflator, container storage unit, carrying handle, and bottle opener simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflator is designed with universal features that serve multiple purposes: the container holders can accommodate various beverage containers, the folded carry handle provides both structural support and portability, and the integrated bottle opener works with different bottle types. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If container holders are integrated into the compressor housing, then beverage storage capability is improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container holders are merged with the compressor housing structure, utilizing the existing housing space and structural elements. Rather than adding separate container storage components, the design integrates holders directly into the housing, allowing beverage containers to be stored within the existing structural footprint of the inflator.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable carry handle is integrated, then portability is improved, but the handle mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The carry handle is designed to be foldable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between an extended carrying state and a retracted storage state. This dynamic feature enables the handle to adapt to different usage scenarios: extended for carrying, folded for compact storage or when not needed, thereby improving portability while managing structural complexity through controlled movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integrated features are added, then recreational utility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple recreational utility features (container holders, folded carry handle, bottle opener) are merged into the inflator's existing structural components rather than being added as separate assemblies. The container holders utilize housing structure, the carry handle is integrated into the housing framework, and the bottle opener is incorporated into the handle assembly, thereby enhancing recreational utility while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment can be inflator having an integrated compressor and carry handle. The compressor can include a housing having a top surface contoured to form at least a first portion of a first container holder. The carry handle can he foldable between a first upright carry position and a second folded position wherein the carry handle lies flush with a top surface of the compressor housing. The carry handle can include an inner grasping area contoured to form at least a second portion of the first container holder when the carry handle is in the folded position and wherein the carry handle second portion of the first container holder is complementary to the compressor housing first portion of the first container holder.