Pump Head One-Handed Operation via Resilient Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump head designs for connecting air supply sources and air valves are inconvenient to operate due to high impediment forces and require two hands to switch between states, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pump head design featuring a casing unit with a tightening member and a control unit, including a control valve, resilient member, and control lever, which allows for one-handed operation by using a resilient force to clamp and unclamp the air valve, facilitating easy connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cam lever is rotated to switch the pump head between initial state and inflating state, then the pump head can be switched between states, but large impediment force is encountered and two hands are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the control lever and the tightening member. The spring absorbs and reduces the impediment force during state transitions, allowing the control lever to operate the tightening member with minimal force while still achieving effective clamping or release of the air valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides self-service by automatically storing energy during clamping and releasing it during state transitions. The spring maintains continuous pressure on the tightening member, enabling automatic return to clamped position when the control lever is released, eliminating the need for high force input from the user.
2Ease of operation
If the cam lever is rotated to switch the pump head between initial state and inflating state, then the pump head can be switched between states, but two hands are required to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member acts as a mediator that transforms the simple rotational motion of the control lever into effective clamping or release actions. This intermediary mechanism enables one-handed operation by absorbing the complexity of force management, allowing the user to operate the pump head with a single hand while maintaining reliable state transitions.
3Strength
If the tightening ring is deformed to tightly clamp the air valve, then the air valve is securely held, but large force is required to deform the tightening ring
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member provides self-service by continuously maintaining deformation force on the tightening ring. The spring stores elastic energy and automatically applies sufficient force to deform the tightening ring into effective clamping position, eliminating the need for high force input from the user while maintaining strong clamping strength on the air valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening ring transitions from a static component to a dynamic, resilient element that works in conjunction with the spring. The tightening ring deforms elastically under spring pressure to achieve clamping, and this dynamic interaction allows strong clamping force to be generated with minimal user input force.
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 convenient and efficient operation of the pump head with one hand, reducing the effort required to switch between states and improving usability by using the resilient force to clamp and unclamp the air valve.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to urge the control valve to move toward the abutment wall and to pressingly clamp the tightening member between the control valve and the abutment wall
Data Source
AI summary
A pump head includes a casing unit, a tightening member and a control unit. The casing unit includes a main body and an abutment wall connected to the main body. The main body has an installation section. The tightening member is disposed in the installation section proximally to the abutment wall. The control unit includes a control valve, a resilient member and a control lever. The control valve is movably disposed in the installation section. The resilient member urges the control valve toward the abutment wall to clamp the tightening member between the control valve and the abutment wall. The control lever is connected to the main body and operable to move the control valve against the resilient member and away from the abutment wall.