Pneumatic Valve Coupler With Ball-Lock Sealing for One-Handed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic valve systems for tires and similar structures are cumbersome to attach, prone to leaks, and provide inaccurate pressure readings due to unreliable seals, often requiring two hands and significant finger strength, making them difficult for users with physical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A novel valve system with a miniature ball check valve mechanism and inflation pin, allowing for a smooth axial attachment of the valve coupler to the stem without external levers or clasps, and incorporating a ball and groove retaining mechanism for easy actuation, ensuring a reliable seal and versatile flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking lever mechanism is used to secure the pump-head to the valve stem, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands and considerable finger strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking lever mechanism from the pump-head design, extracting the problematic component that required two-handed operation. Instead, a simple push-on attachment system is used where the pump-head attaches to the valve stem through direct axial insertion, eliminating the need for lever manipulation while maintaining connection reliability through proper sealing surface design
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking lever system is replaced with a simpler push-on/push-off attachment mechanism. The sealing is achieved through optimized sealing surfaces and spring-loaded sealing elements rather than mechanical clamping, reducing the operational complexity from multi-step lever manipulation to single-handed linear motion
2Device complexity
If the seal is made on the outside of the valve stem, then the sealing mechanism is simplified, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to high internal pressure blowing the pump-head off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spring-loaded sealing elements that are compressed by the attachment force and maintain continuous contact with the sealing surface. The spring force counteracts the internal pressure, ensuring the seal remains effective under high pressure conditions without requiring complex mechanical retention structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism employs dynamic spring-loaded elements that automatically adjust to pressure changes. As internal pressure increases, the spring force increases proportionally, maintaining optimal sealing contact force throughout the pressure range rather than relying on fixed mechanical clamping
3Reliability
If a locking lever is required to prevent the pump-head from popping off, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is completely removed from the design, eliminating the source of operational difficulty. The pump-head features a simple cylindrical interface that attaches to the valve stem through direct insertion, allowing users to operate the system from comfortable positions without awkward hand positioning or lever manipulation
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 system enables one-handed operation, reduces leakage, and provides accurate pressure readings, enhancing user ergonomics and versatility across various tire sizes and pressures, suitable for users with physical limitations.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a ball and groove retaining mechanism for easy actuation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The present invention provides a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem for filling an inflatable vessel such as a tire, tube, mattress, etc. The valve system may comprise the following major components: a valve stem, a valve cap with a pin passage and attachment structure for attaching to a valve coupler, a sealing member, a biasing member, the valve coupler comprising a coupler housing, a pin seat, an inflation pin, and a collar with ball bearings complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and an elastic sleeve for providing inward force against the ball bearings. The valve system may allow for easy, secure, and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and valve stem by simply pushing down on the valve coupler, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler with as little as two fingers.