Universal Pump Head With C-Ring Sealing for Multi-Valve Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump heads for air valves are bulky, inconvenient to use, and costly due to their complex assemblies and need for interchangeable parts to accommodate different valve types, resulting in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact universal pump head design that uses a housing with a moveable pin and elastic taper C-ring mechanism to securely connect and disconnect from various air valves, including Schrader and Presta types, without extensive setup, utilizing a lock arm to compress the C-ring for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable parts or separate ports are used to accommodate different valve types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump head employs a universal connection mechanism where the lock arm and C-ring assembly can accommodate multiple valve types (Schrader, Presta, Dunlop) through a single standardized interface. The aperture and sealing surfaces are designed to universally receive different valve configurations without requiring interchangeable parts or separate ports for each valve type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple valve-specific connection mechanisms into a single integrated lock arm assembly. Instead of having separate clamping mechanisms for different valve types, the design combines these functions into one unified structure that adapts to various valve configurations through the same physical components.
2Reliability
If clamp jaws or tapered housings are used to retain the air valve, then connection reliability is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible elastic C-ring as the primary sealing and retention element instead of rigid clamp jaws or tapered housings. This flexible membrane structure provides effective sealing and mechanical retention while significantly reducing the weight and bulk associated with traditional rigid clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces the traditional mechanical clamping system (clamp jaws, tapered housings) with an elastic deformation-based retention system. The C-ring utilizes its elastic properties to engage and secure the valve, substituting complex mechanical linkages with a simpler elastic element that achieves the same retention function with reduced weight.
3Reliability
If extensive setup or alterations are made to the pump, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump head is pre-configured with the lock arm, C-ring, and aperture in a ready-to-use state that automatically adapts to different valve types upon insertion. No preliminary setup, adjustments, or alterations are required before connecting to any valve type—the system is pre-prepared to form an airtight connection immediately upon engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to self-adjust and self-seal when the valve is inserted. The lock arm and C-ring automatically position themselves to create an airtight connection without requiring user intervention for setup or configuration. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to the inserted valve type and forming the necessary seal.
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 quick and airtight connections with air valves, allowing for easy switching between valve types, reducing the size and weight of the pump head while maintaining effective sealing at various pressures, thus improving user convenience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic taper C-ring may operate by securing the moveable pin or the air valve. The lock arm may be disengaged to release the air valve.
Implementation Method 2
A compressed elastic taper C-ring may secure the moveable pin or the air valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump head configured to secure various air valve types is disclosed. The pump head may include a housing defining an aperture sized and shaped to receive a valve head therein; a moveable pin disposed within the housing defining a pin notch disposed about an exterior circumference of the moveable pin; a first taper unit disposed in the housing; a second taper unit disposed in the housing and adjacent to the first taper unit, the second taper unit biased away the first taper unit; and an elastic ring disposed between the first and second taper units, wherein the second taper unit is moveable towards the first taper unit, thereby compressing the elastic ring circumferentially in at least one of two positions, the elastic ring compressed about the pin notch in the first position and about the valve head in the second position.