Self-Retracting Air Compressor Cord Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered air compressors are large, bulky, and cumbersome to store and transport due to multiple attached lines and cables, which become tangled and obstructive during operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-retracting air compressor design with a motor that drives in two directions, allowing the cord assembly to wind around a spool surface when not in use, reducing bulk and weight by managing air and electrical power as a single cable, and featuring a torus-shaped reservoir tank and drive system for efficient winding and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate lines (air hoses, power cords) are used to operate the air compressor, then functional requirements are met, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate lines (air hose, power cord, vacuum hose) into a single integrated cord assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components the user must manage, making the air compressor less bulky and easier to store and transport while still meeting all functional requirements for air delivery, power supply, and vacuum capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cord assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it delivers compressed air through an air hose, supplies electrical power through a power cord, and enables vacuum operation through a vacuum hose. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lines for each function, reducing overall device complexity and improving ease of storage and transport.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate lines are used for air compressor operation, then all functional requirements are satisfied, but the lines become tangled and create obstacles during operation
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate lines into a single integrated cord assembly, the patent eliminates the tangling problem that occurs when multiple independent hoses and cords are used together. The unified structure prevents lines from becoming entangled with each other during operation, removing obstacles and improving operational smoothness.
3Volume of moving object
If the air compressor has a compact design, then storage space is reduced, but multiple attached lines increase the effective storage volume required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple attached lines into a single integrated cord assembly, which significantly reduces the effective storage volume required. Instead of needing to accommodate multiple separate hoses and cords that would increase the overall footprint, the unified cord assembly allows the air compressor to maintain a compact design while still providing all necessary connections for air delivery, power supply, and vacuum operation.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-store, and transport air compressor that minimizes tangling and obstruction, reducing storage space requirements and operational complexity while maintaining efficient air and power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the motor causes the spool surface to rotate, thereby winding the cord assembly around the air compressor when not in use
Implementation Method 2
the drive system engages with the contact surface of the frame while the motor operates in the winding direction
Implementation Method 3
an example air compressor assembly includes a torus-shaped reservoir tank that circumscribes the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retracting air compressor assembly includes a motorized pump device that drives in opposing directions. A reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the pump device and stores air pumped by the pump device. The air compressor includes a cord assembly that supplies air and electrical power from the pump device. The air compressor assembly pumps air when the motor is driving in a pumping direction, and self-retracts the cord assembly when the motor is driving in a winding direction.