Sealing Fluid Container Assembly with Valve-Activated Electrical Safety Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of sealing fluid kits for inflatable articles often inadvertently activate the compressor before connecting the container, leading to wasted sealing fluid and potential impairment of the repair process, especially due to the complexity of the operations involved.
Innovation Solution
A sealing fluid container assembly with a control mechanism that includes a safety device and electronic components to ensure the compressor is only activated when the container is properly connected, featuring a lock mechanism and conductive rods for secure electrical connections, preventing accidental start-ups and simplifying the user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the compressor assembly is activated before connecting the container assembly to the tyre, then the compressor can start operating, but sealing fluid is wasted and repair may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary connection verification mechanism where the control system checks for proper container assembly connection to the tyre before allowing compressor activation. The control means detects the connected state through electrical contacts that are established only when the container is properly attached to the tyre valve, ensuring the connection is verified in advance before sealing fluid is released.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control system continuously monitors the connection status between the container assembly and the tyre through electrical contacts. When the container is properly connected, the control means receives feedback signals that enable compressor operation; when disconnected or improperly connected, the feedback prevents activation, thereby preventing sealing fluid waste.
2Reliability
If the kit requires complex technical operations for tyre repair, then comprehensive repair functionality is achieved, but user complexity increases and ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features where the system automatically performs connection verification, mode selection, and compressor control without requiring user expertise. The control means autonomously detects when the container is properly connected to the tyre and automatically manages the sealing fluid injection process, eliminating the need for users to understand complex technical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated control system that manages connection detection, mode selection (repair vs. inflation), and compressor operation simultaneously. The control means unifies these separate operations into a single automated process, reducing the number of manual steps users must perform while maintaining comprehensive repair functionality.
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
The solution effectively prevents the wastage of sealing fluid by ensuring the compressor is only activated when the container is correctly connected, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of the kit for repairing inflatable articles.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive rod (17) forming, with the base, a single module by which to connect the container assembly (3) to the compressor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing fluid container assembly (3), connectable to a compressor assembly and to a control circuit of the compressor assembly, has a connecting unit (25) defining a releasable connection to the compressor assembly; and a connecting device (12) for injecting sealing fluid into an inflatable article, and which cooperates releasably with a valve (V) of the inflatable article. More specifically, the container assembly (3) has a sensor carried by the connecting device (12); and at least one electric contact (33) connected to the sensor (12) and cooperating with an electric terminal (24) to transmit a signal from the sensor (12) to the control device when the connecting device (12) is connected to the valve (V); the sensor (12) having a first and a second terminal (40, 39) designed to be short-circuited directly by the valve (V).