Self-Sealing Valve Cap for Inflation Without Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional valve caps lack easy inflation and sealing capabilities, requiring removal for inflation and are prone to loss, with no secondary sealing function to prevent air leakage.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing inflation valve cap with a chamber, including a valve core rod, reset spring, and valve core sealing gasket, which automatically seals and opens with an ejector rod during inflation, featuring a secondary sealing function and anti-slip and anti-detachment design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve cap is removed for inflation, then inflation can be performed, but the valve cap is easily lost and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve cap with a self-sealing inflation valve mechanism, combining the protective cap function with the inflation valve function into a single integrated component. This allows the valve to inflate without removing the cap while maintaining sealing capability through the integrated valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing inflation valve automatically seals itself after inflation without requiring manual intervention to close or replace the cap. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns to the closed position after the ejector rod retracts, providing self-service functionality that simplifies the inflation process.
2Reliability
If a traditional valve cap is used, then the structure is simple, but there is no secondary sealing function to prevent air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a self-sealing mechanism that provides backup sealing capability before any potential failure of the main valve core. The spring-loaded sealing gasket is pre-positioned to seal the inflation channel, creating a redundant sealing system that prevents air leakage even if the primary valve fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses material parameter changes, specifically employing a high-temperature silicone material for the O-ring that can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This parameter change in material selection enhances the sealing reliability under extreme temperature conditions while maintaining the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the valve cap remains on during inflation, then the cap is not lost, but inflation is blocked without a self-sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sealing mechanism where the sealing gasket can transition between sealed and open states. The spring-loaded design allows the gasket to be dynamically pushed away from the sealing surface by the ejector rod during inflation, then automatically return to the sealed position when pressure is released, enabling inflation access while the cap remains in place.
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 tire inflation without removing the cap, provides secondary sealing to prevent air leakage, and ensures driving safety by maintaining a sealed connection.
Implementation Method 1
the reset spring is sleeved on the valve core rod to provide a sealing pressure for the valve core sealing gasket
Implementation Method 2
the O-ring is made of a high-temperature silicone material and withstands a temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Data Source
AI summary
A valve cap includes a cap housing, where a self-sealing inflation valve is provided in a chamber of the cap housing; the self-sealing inflation valve includes a valve core rod, a reset spring, a valve core sealing gasket, and a valve core base; the valve core base is mounted in a middle-lower part of the chamber; the valve core rod is movably provided in the chamber, and a lower end of the valve core rod penetrates into an inflation channel of the valve core base; a circular sealing protrusion is provided in the inflation channel; the valve core sealing gasket is sleeved on the valve core rod; the valve core sealing gasket is in a seal fit with the sealing protrusion; the reset spring is sleeved on the valve core rod; the lower end of the valve core rod is riveted to a valve core rivet joint.