Reciprocal Pump Pressure Regulator with Audible Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bicycle pumps often lack a pressure gauge, making it difficult for users to accurately inflate tires to the correct pressure, which can lead to tire failure or reduced traction, especially for novice or recreational riders who may not know the appropriate pressure or carry an auxiliary gauge.
Innovation Solution
A portable pump with a pressure regulator that includes a piston, coil spring, and audible/visual indicators to alert users when the desired pressure is reached, allowing for correct inflation without the need for additional gauges, and is switchable between larger and smaller diameter barrels for varying pressure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure gauge is added to the pump, then pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure gauge with a pressure-regulated valve system that uses pneumatic feedback. The valve automatically senses pressure through the gas flow path and mechanically opens/closes to maintain target pressure, eliminating the need for separate measurement and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-regulated valve system is self-regulating, using the pressure differential across the valve to automatically control gas flow. The system serves itself by using the process fluid (compressed gas) to actuate the pressure control mechanism, eliminating external measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If an auxiliary pressure gauge is used, then pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to remove the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure measurement and pressure control functions into a single integrated pressure-regulated valve assembly that remains attached to the pump throughout operation. The valve is positioned in the gas flow path between the pump outlet and the inflatable object, allowing continuous pressure monitoring and regulation without separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-regulated valve provides continuous feedback control by sensing the pressure in the inflatable object through the connected gas path and automatically adjusting the gas flow to maintain the target pressure, eliminating the need for separate measurement steps.
3Ease of operation
If a pressure regulator is added to provide audible feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vibratory element that is acoustically coupled to the pressure-regulated valve. When the valve opens or closes, the mechanical movement of the valve components directly drives the vibratory element to produce audible sounds, providing user feedback without requiring electronic sensors, amplifiers, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-regulated valve uses pneumatic principles to sense pressure through the gas flow path and mechanically actuate the valve disc to control gas flow. The entire pressure sensing and control mechanism is achieved through pneumatic pressure differentials and mechanical linkages, avoiding complex electronic systems.
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 accurate and efficient inflation of tires and other inflatable objects to the correct pressure, reducing the risk of tire failure and improving user experience by providing an audible and visual feedback mechanism, and accommodating different pressure needs through a dual-mode operation.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring disposed around the piston and inside the second end of the second air passage
Implementation Method 2
the coil spring is in a non-compressed state when the interior of the pressure regulator is not pressurized and is in a compressed state when the interior of the pressure regulator is pressurized
Implementation Method 3
when the pressure inside the second air passage is above a defined set point, the opening is not blocked by the piston and air from inside the second air passage is vented to the air external to the pressure regulator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a pressure regulator for reciprocating pumps comprising an audible low pressure blow off and pumps comprising the pressure regulator. Also described is a pump comprising a larger diameter barrel with a higher volume for inflating an inflatable object at a lower pressure and a smaller diameter barrel with a lower volume for inflating an inflatable object at a higher pressure, wherein the pump is switchable to operate using either the larger diameter barrel or the smaller diameter barrel using a single lever attached to an end cap of the smaller diameter barrel.