Pneumatic Pump Head Bayonet Coupling for Leak-Safe Valve Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic valve systems, such as Schrader and Presta valves, face issues with secure attachment, reliable sealing, and ease of use, leading to leaks, inaccurate pressure readings, and user discomfort during tire inflation.
Innovation Solution
A novel pneumatic valve system featuring a pump head with a circumferential slot and a seal member with a projection, allowing for smooth axial attachment and preventing leaks, along with accessories like dust caps and adapters for compatibility with various pump heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking lever mechanism is used to secure the pump-head to the valve stem, then the pump-head can be held in place against internal pressure, but the device becomes difficult and awkward to operate requiring two hands and considerable finger strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the locking lever mechanism from the pump-head design. Instead of using a lever that requires manual manipulation, the patent uses a simple push-on attachment system where the pump-head secures to the valve through a bayonet-style coupling that automatically locks when pushed onto the valve stem, eliminating the need for separate locking action
Solution Approach 2:
The pump-head design allows itself to be secured to the valve through the pushing motion alone. The internal pressure differential and the bayonet coupling mechanism work together to automatically maintain the connection without requiring the user to perform additional locking actions or apply sustained finger pressure
2Ease of operation
If the seal is made on the outside of the valve stem, then the pump-head can be attached, but the internal pressure exerts significant force on the pump-head surface that can blow it off without a locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sealing location from the external surface of the valve stem to an internal sealing surface within the valve body. The seal is positioned at the interface between the pump-head and the valve interior, where it can effectively counteract the internal pressure forces without requiring external locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet-style coupling creates a mechanical counteracting force that balances the internal pressure force. The angled locking surfaces of the bayonet mechanism generate a reaction force that opposes the outward pressure force, effectively holding the pump-head in place without additional locking components
3Area of stationary object
If a large internal surface area is provided between the valve stem and pump-head cavity, then the valve can be attached, but the internal pressure exerts significant force that requires a locking mechanism to prevent the pump-head from popping off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the locking mechanism from the system while maintaining a large effective sealing surface area through the internal sealing design. The bayonet coupling provides both the sealing function and the retention function in an integrated manner, eliminating the need for separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the sealing function and the retention function into a single integrated mechanism. The internal seal and the bayonet coupling work together as one system to both seal the pressure and prevent the pump-head from being blown off, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A pump head for a valve and a system having a pump head and a valve are provided. The pump head includes a body having a cavity sized to receive the body, the cavity having at least one engagement member at least partially disposed within the cavity, the at least one engagement member being positioned to align with a circumferential slot when a valve body is disposed in the cavity. The pump head further includes a second projection disposed adjacent an end of the cavity, the second projection being positioned to engage a projection on a valve seal member when the body is disposed in the cavity.