Universal Tire Valve Connector With Piston-Sealed Air Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire valve systems require multiple adapters for different valve types (Dunlop, Presta, Schrader), leading to inconvenience and wear, as users struggle to identify the correct adapter and manage constant changes, compromising the tightness of the connection.

Innovation Solution

A universal connecting device with a hollow body, pressure chamber, and piston system that accommodates various valve types by using a central seal and spring-loaded piston to ensure pressure-tight connections without the need for adapters, allowing compressed air to flow into the tire valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interchangeable adapters are used for different valve types, then compatibility with various valve types is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage and change multiple adapter pieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various valve typesVSAvoidnumber of adapter pieces to manage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device incorporates a universal valve receptacle with a circumferential seal that can accommodate multiple valve types (Dunlop, Presta, Schrader) through a single integrated design. The seal is positioned and dimensioned to create pressure-tight connections with different valve stem diameters, eliminating the need for multiple interchangeable adapters while maintaining compatibility across all valve types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interchangeable adapters are used for different valve types, then compatibility with various valve types is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying the correct adapter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various valve typesVSAvoidease of identifying correct adapter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device uses a single universal adapter design with a valve receptacle that accepts all three major valve types through its circumferential seal mechanism. Users no longer need to identify or select from multiple adapter types, as the universal design automatically accommodates different valve stems through proper sealing geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable adapters are constantly changed, then compatibility with various valve types is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear compromising connection tightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various valve typesVSAvoidtightness of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The universal connecting device features a circumferential seal in the valve receptacle that is designed to work with multiple valve types without wear. The seal creates a pressure-tight connection that remains reliable across different valve stems, eliminating the wear issues associated with constantly changing interchangeable adapters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables safe and convenient filling of tires with different valve types without additional adapters, reducing wear and ensuring a secure, airtight connection, thus improving user experience and extending adapter lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element, i.e. an elastically deformable device, in a second direction, opposite to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the pressure chamber and the air inlet of the tire valve into pressure-tight communication with one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The compressed air connection (5) serves to conduct compressed air from a compressed air source into the pressure chamber (23)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4155141B1Connecting device for connecting a pneumatic tyre inflation valve to a compressed air source
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 MIJNEN WILFRIED
  • EP4155141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155141B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4155141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for connecting a tire valve of a pneumatic tire to a compressed air source, wherein the tire valve is optionally a Dunlop valve (25), a Schrader valve (27), or a Presta valve (26), each comprising a valve stem (28) with a valve element. The connecting device comprises a hollow body (3) with a pressure chamber (23) which is in flow communication with a compressed air connection (5). A valve receptacle (20) includes a circumferential seal for interaction with the valve stem. A piston (6) pre-tensioned by a spring element is arranged in the pressure chamber (23), which, when a Presta valve (26) or a Dunlop valve (25) is inserted into the valve receptacle (20), can be displaced against a restoring force of the spring element (8) and ensures a flow connection between the air inlet of the inserted Presta valve (26) or Dunlop valve (25) and the pressure chamber (23).The piston (6) can be moved in the pressure chamber (23) by supplying compressed air in order to interact with the valve element of a Schrader valve (27) inserted into the valve receptacle (20).