Valve Adapter with Spring-Loaded Ball Detent for Low Effort Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve connectors for air sources, such as air compressors and hand pumps, often require user intervention to establish a proper seal and can be difficult to use, especially for less frequent users or those with physical limitations, due to their design relying on manual alignment and force to latch and unlatch, which can be frustrating and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adapter and attachment head system that automatically secures and seals with various valve types, featuring a lock mechanism and release mechanism, allowing easy engagement and disengagement without requiring significant user force, and includes features like O-rings for sealing and a uniform design to accommodate multiple valve types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handle valve connector uses camming action to latch, then the connector can be secured to the valve, but greater and greater force is required until the handle is latched and a similarly large amount of force is required to unlatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional camming action mechanical system with a spring-loaded ball detent mechanism. The spring provides continuous pressure to push the ball against the valve stem, and the ball engages with a groove to secure the connector. This substitution eliminates the need for increasing force during latching and reduces the force required for unlatching, as the spring automatically maintains engagement pressure.
2Strength
If the valve connector is larger than the tire valve, then the connector can be made robust, but there is nothing to guide the user to make a seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve stem as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it acts as the connection point for air transfer and simultaneously provides alignment guidance for the connector. The valve stem's groove structure guides the connector into proper alignment, eliminating the need for user trial-and-error positioning while maintaining connector robustness.
3Reliability
If the connector requires manual alignment and force to latch, then the connector can be secured, but the process is frustrating and inefficient for less frequent users or those with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-latching mechanism where the spring-loaded ball automatically engages with the valve stem groove when the connector is brought near the valve. The spring force automatically maintains the latched state without requiring user intervention to apply or maintain pressure. To unlatch, the user simply needs to press a release button that allows the ball to disengage, eliminating the need for continuous manual force application.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter connects to a valve to convert the valve to a uniform configuration for connection to a pump. In one application, a conventional Schrader or Presta valve has an adapter to convert the valve to a uniform configuration for connection to a pump. An attachment head of a pump engages and creates a seal with the adapter and has a release mechanism to disengage the attachment head from the adapter.