Portable Tire Inflator with Inflation Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable tire inflators require users to remain near the device to monitor inflation time, which is time-consuming and potentially dangerous, especially when inflating tires near heavy traffic, and there is a risk of over-inflation if the user is not present to control the process.
Innovation Solution
A portable inflation device equipped with a pump, user interface, and control device that calculates and displays the remaining inflation time, allowing users to safely monitor the inflation process from a distance, featuring a control device that determines the current pressure, sets a target pressure, and estimates the time required to reach it, with an inflation indicator providing visual or auditory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users remain near the inflation device to monitor inflation progress, then over-inflation can be prevented, but user safety is compromised due to proximity to heavy traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a control device and display that acts as a mediator between the user and the inflation process. The control device receives target pressure input, monitors current pressure via sensor, calculates remaining time, and communicates status to the user through a display. This intermediary system enables the user to safely monitor inflation from a distance while maintaining reliable control over the process, eliminating the need for physical proximity to the inflation site near traffic.
2Reliability
If users monitor inflation progress continuously, then over-inflation is prevented, but time is wasted due to constant supervision requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously receives current pressure data from the sensor, compares it with the target pressure, and provides real-time feedback to the user through the display showing remaining inflation time. This automated feedback system eliminates the need for continuous user monitoring while maintaining inflation accuracy, as the system self-regulates and informs the user only of the time remaining until completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary calculations of the remaining inflation time based on the current pressure, target pressure, and pump rate. By providing this advance information to the user before inflation completes, the system allows users to plan their next actions without needing to continuously watch the inflation process, thereby saving time while ensuring accurate inflation completion.
3Weight of moving object
If small air pumps are used to make the device portable, then device portability is improved, but inflation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inflation process adaptive and informative rather than static. The control device dynamically calculates and updates the remaining inflation time based on real-time pressure data, allowing the system to optimize its operation. While the small pump's low power is a physical constraint, the dynamic information provision enables users to plan around the extended inflation time, making the trade-off acceptable for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that manages the extended inflation time caused by the small portable pump. By calculating and displaying remaining time, it mediates between the pump's limited power output and the user's time management needs, allowing users to safely step away during the extended inflation period while still knowing when completion will occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable inflation device having a pump, a control device, a user interface, and an inflation indicator. The pump includes an elongated hose with an inflation nozzle. The control device controls operation of the pump and is configured to sense a current pressure of an object, calculate the estimated remaining time to inflate the object to a target pressure, and display the remaining time using the inflation indicator. The user interface is configured to allow a user to enter the target pressure into the control device.