Pump Nozzle Lever with Cam Mechanism for Spoke Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air pumps face challenges in compact design and operability, particularly with the lever mechanism being obstructed by bicycle spokes, which interferes with engagement and fluid operation, and also increases the pump's volume when not in use, making it less portable.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivotally connected lever with a cam structure that allows the lever to be positioned flush with the pump nozzle when not in use, preventing obstruction and interference from bicycle spokes, enabling smooth operation and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is protruded from the pump nozzle to enable operation, then the lever can engage with the valve, but the lever obstructs fitting of the air pump to a bicycle and increases the overall volume
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be movable between a protruded operational position and a retracted storage position. During operation, the lever protrudes to engage with the valve stem. When not in use, the lever is retracted into a slot within the pump nozzle body, reducing the overall volume and eliminating obstruction to bicycle fitting.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is positioned away from the pumping device to engage the valve, then the plunger device can engage with the valve, but bicycle spokes interfere with the lever pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the lever and the plunger device. The cam converts the lever's pivoting motion into linear motion of the plunger device, allowing engagement to occur without the lever needing to extend into the space occupied by bicycle spokes. The cam structure translates rotational movement into the necessary linear displacement for valve engagement.
3Volume of moving object
If the lever is made retractable to reduce volume, then the pump becomes more portable, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever's retraction and engagement functions are merged with the pump nozzle's structural slot. The slot serves dual purposes: it provides a pathway for the lever to move between positions and acts as a receptacle for storing the lever when retracted. This integration eliminates the need for separate housing structures or additional mechanical components for retraction.
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
This design enhances the air pump's portability and ease of use by preventing spoke interference during operation and maintaining a streamlined appearance, ensuring efficient air delivery and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
The pump nozzle 2 includes a lever 40 pivotally connected thereto and including a distal end defining an operation end. The lever 40 is operably pivotal away from the pumping device 1 to make a plunger device 20 disposed within the pump nozzle 2 to engage with a valve of an object to be inflated.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump nozzle includes a housing body including a lateral edge. The lateral edge defines a valve connecting end and a lever connecting end. A lever is connected to the lever connecting end and is operably pivotal between a first position and a second position. Also, the lever includes a first extension and a second extension extending therefrom and angled thereto. When the lever is in the first position, its first extension is disposed in and adjacent to the lateral edge and is oriented towards the top edge of the housing body, and its second extension is disposed in and adjacent to the top edge and is orientated towards the valve connecting end of the housing body. When the lever is in the second position, the first and second extensions are disposed outside the lateral edge and top edge of the housing body, respectively.