Dual Air Valve Connector With Sealed Switching for Schrader and Presta
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air valve connectors require complex operations to selectively fit U.S. type and French type inflation valves due to the need to rotate a rotary member, making the attachment process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A dual air valve connector with a head and switching assembly that includes a plunger, airtight portions, and a lever, allowing for easy switching between Schrader and Presta valves by alternately closing air paths through airtight portions, enabling simple and secure attachment without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary member with multiple compartments is used to selectively fit different valve types, then the connector can accommodate both Schrader and Presta valves, but the operation becomes complex requiring rotation to choose the appropriate compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a first insertion hole for Schrader valves and a second insertion hole for Presta valves. Each insertion hole has its own dedicated air path and sealing mechanism, eliminating the need for a rotary member with multiple compartments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific valve type while simplifying the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector head is designed with dual functionality through parallel insertion holes and air paths. The housing contains both a first air path leading to the first insertion hole and a second air path leading to the second insertion hole, allowing the single connector to serve both Schrader and Presta valve types simultaneously without requiring rotation or reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If a single air path is used for both valve types, then the structure is simplified, but it cannot selectively control air flow to different valve types
Solution Approach 1:
The air delivery system is segmented into distinct air paths: a first air path from the pump connection to the first insertion hole, and a second air path from the pump connection to the second insertion hole. Each air path is equipped with its own sealing mechanism (first sealing member for Schrader, second sealing member for Presta), allowing independent control and prevention of cross-contamination between the two valve types.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing members act as intermediaries between the air paths and the respective valve types. The first sealing member interfaces with Schrader valves through the first air path, while the second sealing member interfaces with Presta valves through the second air path. These intermediary sealing components enable selective air flow control without requiring complex valves or switches.
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
Facilitates easy and secure attachment of both Schrader and Presta valves by simplifying the operation, ensuring an airtight seal with minimal user effort and eliminating the need for complex rotary adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger disengages from the second airtight portion and abuts against the first airtight portion to close an air path from the inlet hole to the communicating passage when the plunger is in the first position. The plunger disengages from the first airtight portion and abuts against the second airtight portion to close an air path from the inlet hole to the first port when the plunger is in the second position.
Implementation Method 2
The sliding member approaches the first port and the second port to compress the first airtight ring and the second airtight ring to be deformed when the sliding member is in the tightened position.
Data Source
AI summary
An air valve connector includes a head and a switching assembly. The head has a first insertion hole, a second insertion hole, a communicating passage, and an inlet hole. The first insertion hole is provided with a first airtight portion disposed between the communicating passage and the inlet hole, and a second airtight portion disposed between the inlet hole and the first port. The switching assembly includes a plunger movably disposed in the first insertion hole to alternately abut against the first airtight portion or the second airtight portion.